The Highlanders are hopeful both Jimmy Cowan and Jamie Mackintosh will be fit for Friday night's match against the Hurricanes in Wellington.

Highlanders’ assistant coach Peter Russell said the medical staff cleared Cowan and Mackintosh of serious injuries and both have 50/50 chances of playing this week.

Russell said they have to be careful not to rush them back and they will not make a final decision on their fitness until Wednesday.

As for the Hurricanes, they will be waiting on a date with a SANZAR judicial officer in Wellington this afternoon after Rodney So'oialo’s antics with his feet on the weekend.

The Highlanders/Hurricanes match will kickoff at 6:35pm.