Joe Moody

Moody's had ankle surgery after being injured in the side's win over the Blues a fortnight ago.

He'll be out for eight weeks which means he will still be available for the All Blacks World Cup campaign in France in September.

Moody's the fourth prop the Crusaders have lost during their title defence.

The Super Rugby Pacific side has already lost Fletcher Newell, George Bower and Finlay Brewis to injuries.

The Crusaders hope to add another prop to their roster in the near future.

34 year old Moody missed much of last season with an ACL injury.

Moody missed the All Blacks last two games against Australia as he went through concussion protocols, while Laulala did not initially travel with the team because he was on paternity leave.

"Joe has come on nicely, and is certainly going to be available this week," All Blacks assistant coach John Plumtree told reporters on Tuesday. "He was really close last week and we chose to keep him out for his safety. But he is good to go now."