Botha boost for Bulls
The Bulls have received a timely boost with the news that powerhouse lock Bakkies Botha may be fit for their highly-anticipated clash against the Sharks on Saturday.
Super 14 champions the Bulls have received a timely boost with the news that powerhouse lock Bakkies Botha may be fit for their highly-anticipated clash against the Sharks on Saturday.
The World Cup winner has recently been the subject of ongoing speculation regarding his playing future, with French club side Toulon reportedly linked with a big money move for the 28-year-old.
But now it seems the uncompromising forward has recovered from an ankle injury that kept him on the sidelines for the early part of the season and should make the Bulls' squad for the Pretoria fixture.
Bulls team doctor Tommie Smook said there is a good possibility that Botha as well as Akona Ndungane will be involved in the match against the Sharks at Loftus this weekend.
“The medical team will monitor both these players throughout the week and no chances will be taken regarding their health, but at this point in time Bakkies as well as Akona look set to make their comeback on the weekend,” Smook explained.
It is scintillating news for the Bulls that Ndungane is on his way back because Marius Delport tore his groin against the Crusaders and Smook is expecting him to be on the sideline for four to six weeks.
Other good news is that Bryan Habana is making steady progress with his shoulder injury and Smook believes he might be fit to play against the Lions in two weeks time.
Habana's Springbok teammate Chiliboy Ralepelle is going for a scope on Wednesday following his freak accident at the captain's practice in George on Thursday and after that the medical staff will determine when he will be able to play again.
Ralepelle injured his knee cartilage while he was passing the ball, but luckily he did not damage his medial or cruciate ligaments.
Ralepelle's biggest competition for the Bulls' number two jersey, Derick Kuün, will not be able to train on Monday due to a abdominal muscle injury but Smook believes he will slot in with the team on Tuesday.