The Highlanders' hopes of resurrecting their Super 14 rugby season took a dive with vice captain Jamie Mackintosh ruled out on Thursday for at least six weeks with a foot injury.

Mackintosh left the field during Friday night's 39-29 victory over the Lions at Carisbrook in Dunedin.

Highlanders doctor Sandy Webb said Mackintosh's injury, nicknamed "turf toe", is a common injury in front rowers as the big toe is injured while scrimmaging. He is currently wearing a moon-boot and will be treated symptomatically over the next six weeks.

Mackintosh said his focus would be on getting back to playing rugby as soon as possible.

"I'm pretty disappointed to get this injury to such a small part of my body," he said in a statement.

"I feel I have been playing some good rugby but now I need to focus on the rehab and hopefully getting back to play some games at the end of the season."

Highlanders head coach Glenn Moore said the injury was "a big blow for Jamie and the team as he is a key leader within the set-up".

The Highlanders will also be without lock Tom Donnelly, who last week underwent surgery to insert a pin in his ankle and is likely to be out for the rest of the Super 14 season.

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