Pryor blow for Highlanders

 

The dynamic openside flank dislocated his elbow in the Highlanders' 24-14 victory over the Chiefs on Saturday, raising a question over who will go up against Waratahs skipper Michael Hooper at the breakdown.

 

There was also concern over lock Alex Ainley's leg injury and centre Malakai Fekitoa who scratched his eye, but both are expected to be fit for the semifinal.

 

"He's [Pryor] a big loss for us and Alex Ainley's played on a really crook knee, and he's tweaked that again.

 

"Malakai's scratched his eye. Because it's an eye there's some sensitivity around the area but I think he will be fine," coach Jamie Joseph told stuff.co.nz.

 

There are no obvious replacements for Pryor, with John Hardie struggling with a rib complaint and Shane Christie battling with a hamstring issue, while Elliot Dixon and Gareth Evans are blindside options which means that James Lentjes could get an opportunity.

 

The Highlanders beat the Waratahs in Dunedin this season and scored more log points than them, but will have to travel to Sydney in order to make the final.