Rugby: Key duo battling injuries

Kurt Davies (centre) is out for at least two weeks after fracturing a bone in his hand during last Saturday's match against Wellington.

Northland could be without two key players for a good portion of their remaining ITM Cup fixtures.

Halfback Kurt Davies is out of contention for this weekend's clash against Taranaki after fracturing a bone in his hand against Wellington last Saturday, as is loose forward Dan O'Rourke who, damaged his posterior cruciate ligament [PCL].

"Hopefully, it will be two weeks on each, we'll find out at the end of the week, but worst case scenario is six weeks on each," head coach Richie Harris said.

"Dan was in today and walking around, Kurt's down in Auckland getting it seen to. We're hopeful for the two [weeks] but we'll know more at the end of the week."

With the halfback stocks taking a dive pass to the sideline, Kamo and Northland Development halfback Mack Sykes has been brought into the Taniwha squad to back up starting halfback Sam Nock.

The two recent injuries won't help the chances of the Taniwha as they prepare for their second home match of the season against Taranaki on Sunday.

Adding to the list of players battling back from injury - which includes co-captain Dan Pryor, first five-eighth Dan Bowden and lock Josh Goodhue's omission from the Wellington match last weekend with a foot niggle - Davies' and O'Rourke's trials aren't exactly timely.

However, looking to break Northland's injury woes, Pryor could make a return to action this weekend after nearing full rehabilitation from the dislocated elbow which saw him miss the end of the Highlanders successful Super Rugby campaign.

Pryor's presence could boost Northland's chances as they seek their first win of the season.