Matfield and Serfontein rest for Bulls; Rugby 365

Springboks Victor Matfield and Jan Serfontein will both be rested against the Lions this week, in accordance with the franchises' agreement with SARU. Matfield has started every match for the Bulls this season, bar one game where he came off the bench against the Western Force a fortnight ago. Meanwhile, Serfontein, who was named to play against the Crusaders last week even though he did not train due to a stiff hip flexor, will also earn a 'rest'. The Springbok centre failed to pass a late fitness test before the match and was replaced by Burger Odendaal at the 11th hour. Odendaal was set to start his first game for the Blue Bulls in the Vodacom Cup after a lengthy injury lay-off for a knee ligament injury. However, the 2014 Currie Cup star found himself called up to the Super Rugby match as a late replacement. Odendaal had an impressive return to competitive rugby and it should be expected that he will again take up the No.12 jumper with Serfontein rested. Meanwhile, another 11th-hour replacement that stepped up to make an indelible impression, Hanro Liebenberg, could again find himself in the starting XV. Liebenberg replaced Arno Botha in the No.7 jersey late on Saturday after the Springbok loose forward failed to pass a fitness test. Botha is expected to be out for another week as he continues to struggle with injuries, and as such, will not feature against the Lions. The Bulls will also be without the services of loose forward Pieter Labuschagne, who will only play again on April 13 due to a chest injury. Basil Short (concussion, one week), Akona Ndungane (broken hand, April 13) and Travis Ismaiel (ribs, April 13) will also be unavailable for selection. A number of players have niggles following the win over the Crusaders. Jesse Kriel (hip), JJ Engelbrecht (knee), Trevor Nyakane (sick), Jacques Engelbrecht (sick), Rudi Paige (hip), and Morne Mellett (back) will return to training Tuesday. On the positive side, Jacques-Louis Potgieter and Callie Visagie both returned to training on Monday. Potgieter has recovered from a hamstring strain and Visagie from injured ribs. William Small Smith (foot, April 20), Pierre Schoeman (knee, July 31), Carlo Engelbrecht (ankle, six weeks), Bandise Maku (pectoral, July 31 ), Werner Kruger (ankle, six weeks), Duncan Matthews (knee, August 31 ), Ruan Steenkamp (knee, August 31), Ryan Nell (knee, August 31 ) are all on the long-term injury list.

 JW
It has since been reported in the local media that Matfield is "hiding" a knee injury - of in my opinion "faining" one (the latter being to avoid playing because further games would show up his weaknesses further - thus avoiding being dropped from Springbok selection by his pal Meyer).
Be it as it may it seems unlikely that Matfield will play for another month.       

 According to some Bulls should win all there games as long as he's on not on the field We will see.

 
Who says that - definitely not all the locals - it is often said that he in fact through non-contribution cause poorer performances by the Bulls.  They played thus far 7 games - lost two games and won 5.   Matfield was involved in all 7 games - so I am not overly impressed by your latest statement.      

CleverMike: I was merely quoting my good mate Beeno. If you consider the statement to based on faulty logic I suggest you take it up with him

 

Photo of Beeno provided to aid identifcation 

 

 One has to admire his confidence & ability to put facts & logic aside mumbled the fair-minded kiwi  

Odendall - yet another example of a kid pushed too early. Playing Vodacom at 19 and at 21 years old already had major knee surgery, now he is forced into action at the highest level instead of being eased in. Kolbe, Taute have not been the same since their knee surgeries. PSDT, Etzebeth, Arno Botha, Jordaan to name a few all struggling to stay healthy. If Pollard makes it to the WC unscathed he will be the exception, not the rule.
We're shooting ourselves in the foot not allowing them to mature physically and fully develop before playing against the big boys. Want to know why our young talent is not coming through - check out the injury ward....... and after every recovery they never quite get back to where they were before.

Bulls will miss Matfield. Its no coincidence their lineout is so disruptive to the opposition and secure on their own ball. He called more balls to himself last game, but his influence is all over the subtleties. For instance, you can see him point and call to Spies where the Crusaders were going to throw leading to one of the steals. Made 8 passes as well and continues the trend of being a distributor/link. Didn't miss a tackle, rarely does. He's the perfect "5", especially for the NH and one of our true advantages over the other teams. A month off would be a good thing.