Squire faces sideline spell with broken thumb

A broken thumb could see Highlanders flanker Liam Squire sidelined for up to six weeks.

The industrious All Black left his side's thrilling derby victory over the Crusaders just before halftime.

The unbeaten Dunedin franchise will be hoping Squire can make as quick a turnaround as fellow All Blacks flanker Matt Todd, who missed just one game after breaking his thumb earlier in the season.

Head coach Aaron Mauger will likely insert Elliot Dixon into his starting lineup as the Highlanders head to Wellington to play the Hurricanes next week, the second of three consecutive New Zealand derbies for the team.

Dixon replaced Squire from the 39th minute last night, and head coach Mauger said of the 28-year-old three time All Black "we've got a fantastic bench, and I thought Elliot did a great job".