The Vodacom Bulls will receive a double boost when they return from their bye next week with the return of two of their key players for the rest of the competition.
Intruigingly return may not be the right word for one of them, but rather “arrival” – as former Free State prop Marcel van der Merwe will finally get a chance to prove his worth for his new province. (Better prop than Kruger for sure)
Van der Merwe, a strong, big ball-handler who is very mobile across the field, was recruited last year from the Cheetahs to join the Bulls. (Looked like a Bok contender before injury)
But shortly before he was meant to make the move from Pretoria, Van der Merwe tore cruciate ligaments in his knee during the Cheetahs promotion-relegation match against the Kings, ruling him out for six months.
Team doctor Org Strauss pronounced Van der Merwe fit and ready “to train at full pace” on Monday, and it is clear he will be able to be selected when the Bulls return for their next game against the Highlanders next week.
But things have become a bit complicated, as the Vodacom Cup team’s shock last-minute loss to the EP Kings on Saturday has meant there is no proper senior competition in which Van der Merwe can find his way back unless he returns to club rugby.
This isn’t likely to happen and the young prop will find it hard to break into the Bulls setup now, especially after the scrumming performance of the Bulls in the past week. (Not really thanks to kruger its been the very good greyling putting the pressure on - please note snaspter! = how does Beeno keep getting it rightwonder snapster)
The other key player to return is Zane Kirchner, who will finally be over the broken finger he had operated on and will be eligible for selection again. (Sorry not so key in my book!)
The Bok fullback has sat out for the past five weeks and will be raring to go, although it must be said Jurgen Visser has done a sterling job in his absence. (But lets see how a fesh Zane goes)
The news is not that good for the other injured players with lock Paul Willemse (11 weeks, knee), midfielder Francois Venter (groin, 5 weeks) and lock Cornel Hess (knee, 6 months) needing long periods of rehab before they can return to the field.
Bulle really doing remarkably well injury wise - again luck or good conditioning? Surely it cant all be bad luck. Sharkies now have about 20 out. Very odd bussiness this.
