The Vodacom Bulls suffered a second significant injury blow ahead of their Vodacom United Rugby Championship quarterfinal against Benetton at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday when Springbok World Cup winger Canan Moodie revealed on social media that he would not be able to play in the game.
Moodie, who had been put up as part of the weekly media round-up, dismissed the injury concerns that were there after he received treatment in the Bulls’ 26-14 win over the Hollywoodbets Sharks as just “bumps and bruises” but continued to chat as if he was going to be part of the starting line-up this weekend.
But on Thursday, in a social media post that was made to help the Bulls sell tickets for the quarterfinal, Moodie said: “Hi Vodacom Bulls family, Canan Moodie here. Unfortunately I won’t be able to play this weekend due to injury but I want to encourage everyone to come out and help me support the boys,” before launching into the ticket offer. The type of injury or extent of Moodie's period on the sideline was not revealed.
‼️A messege from Canan Moodie‼️
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) June 5, 2024
He also decided that we are doing a ticket special for you 😉
🎟️BUY TICKETS NOW: https://t.co/q5EvsYOdrn
*4 tickets for R100 🔥
*Eastern Stand Lower pic.twitter.com/2WesGKyyK8
Moodie is the second World Cup-winning Springbok not to be available for the quarterfinal after coach Jake White revealed after the win over the Sharks that flanker Marco van Staden would not be available for selection this coming weekend.
The Bulls could well spring a surprise and return regular captain Marcell Coetzee to the starting line-up in Van Staden’s place, especially as Coetzee travelled with the team to Durban, acted as waterboy during the game and has been seen at training again.
But with the Bulls hush on their injury situation otherwise, unless he is fully fit, they won’t risk him and have top flankers such as Celimpilo Gumede and Jannes Kirsten to fall back on as well as veteran Nizaam Carr, who extended his contract until 2027 this week.
OTHER OPTIONS
While losing Moodie may be devastating for fans wanting to see the Bok star in action, the Bulls have played Sebastian de Klerk at times on the wing this season and he is favourite to take Moodie’s place for the game.
Other options that they have include Devon Williams, who has often filled a bench position when the Bulls play their back three or any of the seasoned campaigners such as Sergeal Petersen and Cornal Hendricks.
At a push the Bulls might even consider moving David Kriel into the wing, where he has slotted in before, although he has been more devastating at outside centre in recent times.
The Bulls will name their side on Friday for the clash.
Moodie announced the offer they have for tickets for the game, launching a special offer of four tickets for R100 in certain sections of the stadium.
Tickets are available at the Bulls ticket office or on Ticketpro.