The dark clouds did not hang over Loftus Versfeld for very long before Zane Kirchner delivered the silver lining with a broad smile.
The Springbok fullback injured his ribs against the Pumas on Saturday, but was able to tell his team-mates on Monday that the injury would not sideline him for several weeks as was initially feared.
In fact, Kirchner may play in the Bulls’ opening Super Rugby game against the Lions.
“It was not as bad as we had feared,” said Bulls team doctor Org Strauss.
“Zane did not tear cartilage and he should not be out for more than two weeks. It depends how he responds to treatment.”
This means that Kirchner, like Francois Hougaard and Jaco Pretorius, are in a battle against time to run out at Coca-Cola Park.
Fortunately for coach Frans Ludeke he has a range of options.
New acquisition Bjorn Basson and wing Gerhard van den Heever are both comfortable at fullback.
However, the best choice will probably be veteran Jaco van der Westhuyzen. He replaced Kirchner shortly after the start of the second half against the Pumas and performed well.
Ludeke had to defend his selection of Van der Westhuyzen on the wing last year, but he won’t have many critics for picking the 33-year-old former Bok as a fullback.
Van der Westhuyzen is super fit and still has all the skills to play fullback in spite of losing some pace.
The Bulls will train for the last time this week on Tuesday morning, after which the team will only get back together on Monday.
Sou graag die volgende agterste driehoek wou sien by die Bulle:
15) Shadow
14) Hougaard
11) Basson
Kichner as hy reg is, buitesenter.
@ bdb:
That would be quite an exciting back 3 bdb especially on attack, don’t you think they may be found wanting on defence as a unit? although having said that Hougaard can tackle well and Basson is good under the high ball. Many may not agree with me but depending on what sort of form he can get back to after such a lay off I would be happy to see Ndungane there, he may not be too pacy but still think he could offer a lot and maybe the time is right for Hougaard now to be concentrating more on his scrumhalf role, its a long tournament and will need to manage du Preez’ game time bearing in mind his importance to the Boks.
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