Kriel could miss rest of Super Rugby season

The Vodacom Bulls have been rocked by the news that Springbok midfielder Jesse Kriel is unlikely to take any part in this year’s Vodacom Super Rugby competition anymore after he tore a ligament in his ankle against the DHL Stormers on Saturday.

Kriel will undergo surgery this week and is expected to be out for six to eight weeks, pinning his return around the time of the playoffs or in the best case scenario the last game of the season at Loftus Versfeld against the Emirates Lions. Either way, the news is not good for coach Pote Human.

It all adds to what team doctor Herman Rossouw called “an expensive weekend” for the Bulls as they lost 24-23 to their Cape rivals but more importantly suffered several injuries in the process.

While Kriel is the worst of them, they also lost winger Jade Stighling and utility back Divan Rossouw to concussion, while Burger Odendaal looks set to make a recovery ahead of their game against the Waratahs on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld.

“It was an expensive weekend for the Bulls,” team doctor Herman Rossouw said.

“We lost Burger Odendaal with an eye injury, but luckily the specialist referral says it is a good result and as things are looking now he will be available for the weekend.

“Unfortunately Jesse Kriel is not that lucky, he has torn a ligament in his ankle and will undergo surgery later this week. He will be on the sidelines for a period of six to eight weeks.

“Both our wings, Divan Rossouw and Jade Stighling left the field with concussion. Divan passed his HIA assessment but unfortunately is not looking that good this morning, but unfortunately both won’t be available for this weekend’s match against the Waratahs.”

While the Bulls were also hoping to have lock Jason Jenkins return, the doctor’s assessment is that he is “unlikely” to get onto the field this week, although he “will be monitored”.

Lock Eli Snyman and flanker Tim Agaba are both returning to “selected sessions” and will train, but won’t be available for selection.

The Bulls will name their side for the Waratahs clash on Wednesday.