Bulls Bok ruled out of semifinals
Mon, 29 Sep 2008 17:53
The Blue Bulls suffered a huge blow with the news that Springbok World Cup-winning wing Akona Ndungane has torn his groin and will be sidelined for at least two weeks - ruling him out of the Currie Cup semifinals.
The Bulls' team doctor, Org Strauss, confirmed on Monday that Ndungane's injury - suffered in the 58-22 win over Griquas at the weekend - is much worse than what was expected.
However, he will immediately start with his rehabilitation in order to be fit for a possible Final.
The good news for the Bulls is that prop Rayno Gerber's Achilles injury is not too bad and he, as well as utility forward Danie Rossouw, will be fit for the play-offs.
Gurthrö Steenkamp will start training with the team during the cause of next week and Strauss is optimistic that the big Springbok loosehead prop will be eligible for the semifinal.
The Blue Bulls' team that is going to play against the Falcons at Loftus on Friday is going to be announced on Tuesday, but at this stage it looks as if a number of the senior players will get a well deserved break.
The Bulls have already qualified for the semifinals, where they have home ground advantage, and will be looking to keep the pressure up on the table-topping Sharks with another big win.
The Bulls have a chance to finish on top of the standings if the Sharks stumble against Griquas this coming weekend.
