Bulls lose Basson
by Brenden Nel 04 March 2013, 12:23
The Vodacom Bulls were dealt a major setback ahead of their tour of the Antipodes as they lost try-scoring sensation Bjorn Basson for 10 days with a shoulder injury.
Basson went off hurt in his team’s 36-26 win over the Western Force on Saturday and will play no part in the side’s Vodacom Super Rugby game against the Blues in Auckland this coming Sunday.
The winger is a big loss as he is a major part of the team’s plans, but the injury was at least negated with some good news on a number of players who have recovered from their injuries.
Winger Akona Ndungane is back in action after missing the last two matches with an ankle strain, and is joined by returning flanks Deon Stegmann and Dewald Potgieter, who have both been cleared to play.
Potgieter hurt his knee last week and while the initial prognosis was three to four weeks, the scan showed a better than average recovery, making him a definite to tour.
Also back from injury is lock Wilhelm Steenkamp, who can be considered for the tour after a long period off with a shoulder injury.
Utility back JJ Engelbrecht has recovered from his hip flexor injury and will also be considered for action.
There was also good news on the injuries sustained this weekend as Jacques Potgieter, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Lionel Mapoe, Francois Hougaard and Willie Wepener were all cleared for training after sustaining niggles against the Force.
While Hougaard (ankle) and Ralepelle (ankle) will only be back for Saturday’s captain’s run, they are available for selection. Ralepelle of course first has to overcome a judicial hearing after being cited for going into a ruck without using his arms.
Potgieter was cleared of concussion, while Wepener and Mapoe both have bruises and should be ready to train when the team arrives in Auckland on Thursday.
