Stegmann doubtful for Newlands clash
by Brenden Nel 27 March 2012, 09:13
The Vodacom Bulls look set to travel to Cape Town without the services of their fetcher Deon Stegmann ahead of this weekend’s Vodacom Super Rugby showdown with the DHL Stormers.
Stegmann has missed the last two games with a hamstring injury, and a scan done on him late last week revealed worse news than the Bulls would have liked – what looked like a grade one tear has turned out to be closer to a grade two tear, making the medical staff’s job in getting him fit again a bit more challenging.
The likelihood is that the Bulls won’t tinker with the combination that totally dominated the Reds this past weekend, but they certainly would have liked to have their Springbok fetcher available for action. This means that CJ Stander will have to continue in the role he has fulfilled with honour in the last few weeks.
“Steggies is a bit doubtful at the moment,” Team doctor Org Strauss told SuperSport.com, “and to be honest the chances are slim that he will be ready. Still we will take a final decision after Tuesday afternoon’s practice session.”
The game against the Reds took its toll, with six players not training because of various niggling elements. All are expected to be fit for the game at Newlands on Saturday, however.
Hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle is still struggling with flu while his understudy Willie Wepener has an ear infection and will train on Tuesday.
Fullback Zane Kirchner has a knee injury, while reserve halfback Jano Vermaak was suffering from back spasms.
Werner Kruger (neck) and Jacques Potgieter (neck and back) also missed training but should be ready for action this weekend.
