Specman loss for Bulls

The Vodacom Bulls hopes of beating the Highlanders in their final tour match were dealt a blow when their x-factor winger Rosko Specman was ruled out with an injury and forced to return home to South Africa.

Specman follows Paul Schoeman, who injured his knee and returned to South Africa as well for further treatment.

Specman picked up a hamstring injury late in the 22-all draw against the Blues in Auckland on Friday and won’t play any further part in the tour, compounding the pressure on coach Pote Human ahead of a massive fixture in Dunedin.

But the news will be cushioned by the arrival of Handre Pollard back in New Zealand after missing the last two games with a calf injury, while lock Eli Snyman has also been called up to join the squad and will arrive with Pollard on Tuesday.

Pollard will take over the captain’s armband while Snyman might find himself on the bench with Hanro Liebenberg likely to take over at No 8 for the Bulls, who are already missing Duane Vermeulen, who is also back in SA in an enforced rest thanks to the agreement with the national side.

The Bulls are also sweating on the fitness of Springbok fullback Warrick Gelant, who has also picked up a hamstring niggle. The Bulls decided not to fly him home though and will only make a decision later in the week about his fitness.

If Gelant is ruled out it leaves them in a quandary in terms of team selection with Divan Rossouw likely to slot in at fullback while Johnny Kotze could move to the wing. That leaves a decision between former SA under-20 midfielder JT Jackson or former Sevens Bok Dylan Sage to move into the midfield to partner Odendaal.

The Bulls will name their side to face the Highlanders Wednesday.