Jesse Kriel
The Vodacom Blue Bulls were given another mixed dose of news when the injury report arrived following their 23-18 loss to DHL Western Province in their Absa Currie Cup clash on Saturday.
While there was good news that both injured flyhalves – Jacques-Louis Potgieter and Tony Jantjies – had recovered from their ailments that forced them to miss the Western Province game, the Bulls were given the news that they will need a new fullback this weekend when they prepare to take on the Xerox Golden Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
SA Under 20 star Jesse Kriel put in another impressive performance against Province on Saturday, but has been ruled out for between two and three weeks with an ankle injury.
This means the Bulls are likely to need another fullback, after already losing Jurgen Visser to a foot operation for the rest of the season late last week.
The obvious choice would be Ulrich Beyers, who has fulfilled the role in Super Rugby before, while coach Frans Ludeke could look at other options.
Potgieter is likely to return to the number 10 jersey as Ludeke is likely to opt for experience in the position, especially after Joshua Stander looked rather nervous in the role.
The youngster had some good touches, but missed a key kick in front of the posts and generally was full of nerves in his first starting role for the Bulls.
The other bad news for the Bulls is that reserve tighthead Hencus van Wyk also limped off injured on Saturday, meaning the Bulls need a new back-up to Werner Kruger.
Van Wyk’s bad luck saw him sustain a grade 2 lateral ligament tear and he will also be sidelined for two to three weeks.
Grant Hattingh sustained an ankle sprain but should be ready to train on Tuesday while Bjorn Basson, who Ludeke decided to give another week before returning him to action, is also likely to be in contention to return to the side.
On the long-term injury side, good news as Morne Mellett looks set to return to action within a week or two.