The Hurricanes and Chiefs have suffered early injury blows as Jordie Barrett and Sam Cane are expected to sit out the first round of Vodacom Super Rugby Aotearoa.

In the opening round of New Zealand’s domestic revamp of Super Rugby the Chiefs take on the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday, while the Hurricanes face the Blues at Eden Park on Sunday.

Jordie Barrett was set to face older brother and potential Blues debutant Beauden for the first time at Super Rugby level on Sunday, but reports from New Zealand suggest the younger Barrett could miss the match due to a shoulder injury.

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Unfortunately, the injury is expected to keep Jordie out of action for the next three weeks and potentially even longer if it requires surgery.

Meanwhile, All Blacks and Chiefs captain Sam Cane will also miss the opening round of action with a minor back injury.

Cane sat out training this week with a stiff back and will miss the first Aotearoa match, which will mark the first live first-class rugby game played in front of crowds since March.

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