The Vodacom Bulls received a massive setback ahead of their tour to Europe when the three players that picked up injuries were not included in their touring squad to leave on Tuesday.
Canan Moodie, Johan Grobbelaar and S’bu Nkosi all picked up injuries in the 28-14 win in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship match against Connacht on Friday and it was hoped that their respective issues weren’t that serious so that the trio would be able to make the tour, or at least a part of it.
But the announcement on Monday included none of those names in the 30-man squad for the tour. The Bulls face Glasgow Warriors on Saturday night in their first tour match in Scotland.
Instead, there was a return for Harold Vorster from injury in the backline, while Joe van Zyl will do hooker duties along with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Bismarck du Plessis. Vorster’s return will free up Cornal Hendricks to cover wing, while Stedman Gans, David Kriel, Lionel Mapoe, Wandisile Simelane and Kurt-Lee Arendse can all slot into multiple positions in the backline.
Bernard van der Linde is the third scrumhalf alongside Zak Burger and Embrose Papier while three flyhalves are on tour - Johan Goosen, Chris Smit and Morne Steyn. Goosen can play multiple positions in the backline as well.
Nkosi has a suspected concussion and the fact he wasn’t chosen for the three-week tour means the return to play protocols probably make it a longer return to play than initially expected, while Moodie’s hamstring is an unpredictable injury and the Bulls have probably erred on the side of caution given that he is key to the Springbok setup as well.
Grobbelaar had an ankle injury and was due to go for a scan on the weekend.
According to the team, “more details on their injuries and availability will be made soon.”
Bulls touring team
FORWARDS (17): Gerhard Steenekamp, Simphiwe Matanzima, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Bismarck Du Plessis, Francois Klopper, Mornay Smith, Walt steenkamp, Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje, Janko Swanepoel, Marcell Coetzee, Wj Steenkamp, Marco Van Staden, Reinhardt Ludwig, Elrigh Louw, Dylan Smith and Joe van Zyl
BACKS (13):Zak Burger, Embrose Papier, Johan Goosen, Chris Smith, Stedman Gans, Bernard Van der Linde, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Lionel Mapoe, Morne Steyn, Cornel Hendricks, Wandisile Simelane and Kurt-lee Arendse