Pryor puts faith in team to beat Hawke's Bay

CONFIDENT: Northland co-captain Dan Pryor believes the Taniwha can bring the Ranfurly Shield home from Napier.PHOTO/MICHAEL CUNNINGHAM

The build-up to Northland's first ITM Cup match of 2015 has been less than desirable for utility loose forward and Taniwha co-captain Dan Pryor.

Shaking off an elbow injury [dislocation] received during the Highlanders Super Rugby qualifier against the Chiefs, Pryor has made a quick recovery despite being restricted to the sidelines.

"It's a slow progression back into it but just running around with the boys and getting a feel for it again is pretty good," he said after Northland's last training in Whangarei yesterday before the team travelled to Napier.

"The problem is just knowing when to come back. I feel like I'm ready now but every now and again I feel my elbow."

Despite being out of the playing mix for a couple more rounds yet, Pryor is content the work his team have put in through the pre-season will be enough for them to give Hawke's Bay a run for their money.

"The opportunity's always there and the pressure's on them.

"We're just going to go down there and play our footy - we're pumped as."

With head coach Richie Harris hinting towards a return in week four for Pryor and first-five Dan Bowden, Pryor said the threat of his brother starting in the No7 jersey tomorrow is a good incentive to "try get back playing a little bit faster".

"It's always special when your little brother gets in there but he's probably that good that he's going to keep it."

Northland: Howard Sililoto, Matt Moulds, Dominic Robertson-McCoy, Josh Goodhue, Michael Stolberg, Shane Neville, Kara Pryor, Taniela Manu, Kurt Davies, Dan Hawkins, Jone Macilai, Jordan Hyland, Dave Thomas, Waisea Lawebuka, Mathew Wright. Reserves: Jordan Olsen, Ross Wright, Matt Talaese, Sean Sweetman, Jaycob Matiu, Sam Nock, Troy Gilbert, Filipo Nakosi.