Bulls lose Steenkamp
by Brenden Nel 22 January 2013, 12:07
The Vodacom Bulls have suffered an early pre-season loss, with the news that Emerging Bok lock Wilhelm Steenkamp has been ruled out of action for between four and six weeks with a shoulder injury.
Steenkamp, who has been sent to see a specialist on the AC tear, is likely to miss the opening few weeks of this year’s Vodacom Super Rugby tournament, and isn’t the only injury concern in the camp.
With the tough pre-season training the team has put in, it has further emerged that three Boks will miss the first pre-season match against the MTN Lions in Orlando Stadium on 2 February.
While none of the trio are too serious, they will be kept on ice – or in the pool – until their injuries have recovered sufficiently.
Fullback Zane Kirchner and flank Dewald Potgieter both have back strains, while prop Werner Kruger has a back spasm. The injuries come at a difficult time for the Bulls as two other front rankers are out – with Dean Greyling still out for another month with a stress fracture in his foot, and Frik Kirsten sitting out training this week with a migraine.
Arno Botha, who had to undergo an emergency groin operation over December, will still be out for a week, while Boks Chiliboy Ralepelle and Jacques Potgieter both rejoined the team this week.
Former Junior Boks Tony Jantjies (groin, two weeks) and Wiaan Liebenberg (hamstring, one week) will return to squad soon. Rudy Paige (ankle), Grant Hattingh (ankle), Bjorn Basson (ankle) and Akona Ndungane (groin) will be fit to train on Thursday.
