News

Blue Bulls rocked by injuries

August 11 2008

The Blue Bulls' Currie Cup campaign was dealt several sever blows this weekend as their home defeat to the Lions was compounded buy the news of injuries to a handful of key players.

Zane Kirchner, Francois van Schouwenburg, Danie Rossouw and probably Derick Kuün as well as Akona Ndungane will not be able to play against the Griquas at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

Kirchner injured his ribs against the Lions and is set to be on the sideline for four to six weeks, while Van Schouwenburg's hand injury will keep him out of action for at least six weeks.

Rossouw received a call-up from the Springbok camp to replace Bakkies Botha, who picked up an injury against Argentina, and as a result he will train with the Boks as they prepare for the Test against the All Blacks at Newlands on Saturday.

Coach Frans Ludeke said on Monday that Kuün, who is carrying a hamstring injury, is a doubtful starter for the Griquas match while Ndungane will have more clarity over his hip injury later in the week.

Tiger Mangweni will in all probability replace Kirchner in the number fifteen jersey but it is not yet certain who will play at lock for the Blue Bulls against the Griquas.

Wilhelm Steenkamp will be there, but his partner in the second can be any one of Juandré Kruger, Fudge Mabeta, Hendrik Roodt or even Pedrie Wannenburg.