All Blacks and Chiefs No 10 Aaron Cruden has broken his thumb and will be sidelined for six to eight weeks.

Cruden sustained the injury in Saturday's draw with the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein. It's been confirmed that the Chiefs playmaker won't be back in action until late May.

Gareth Anscombe and Andrew Horrell have both been mentioned as possible replacements for Cruden. The Chiefs will play the Rebels this Saturday.

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