The Vodacom Bulls may be hitting the pitch without their dynamic Springbok utility back, Canan Moodie, when they face the Scarlets in Llanelli next Saturday. Moodie, a key player for the Bulls, succumbed to a hamstring issue in the first half of their resounding 47-7 victory over the Dragons in Newport, sidelining him for the remainder of the game.
"A little bit concerned about Canan," Bulls coach Johan Ackermann disclosed to the media. Moodie felt a twinge in his hamstring just before the break, prompting the decision to bench him for the second half. "With all the injuries at wing we didn't want to risk him further. We weren't confident he could continue. You don’t want to aggravate it and make it worse, so we didn’t take that risk," Ackermann explained.
"At this stage, he's the main concern. There are bumps and bruises, but nothing else we're overly worried about."
The injury list for the Bulls is mounting, especially among the outside backs with Stravino Jacobs, Sebastian de Klerk, Kurt-Lee Arendse (finger), and Cheswill Jooste (foot) all missing the recent clash. "We’ve suddenly been tested at outside back," Ackermann noted, highlighting the growing concerns.
Despite the setbacks, the Bulls managed a dominant performance in the second half against the Dragons. Ackermann reflected on the game's progression, noting, "The scoreline doesn’t really reflect the true match. We had to grind and fight hard. We couldn’t put them away in the first half. They defended well and kept us out, and we made hard work of it."
The team's resilience was evident, especially with captain Marcell Coetzee leading from the front. "Marcell has been outstanding for us over the last few weeks, not just on the field but off it as well," praised Ackermann. When your back is against the wall, you need your leaders to step up and he led by example."
Another standout was Marco van Staden, who after coming on at hooker, managed to score twice, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the team. "Credit to Marco – he’s an absolute team man. He’ll play wherever we pick him," Ackermann said. "He understands his role as a hybrid who can play hooker and in the back row. We felt it worked well to use him there and he showed his value. It’s great to have that option."
The Bulls will hope for quick recoveries among their injured as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in the United Rugby Championship, starting with their next encounter against the Scarlets.
2,100 posts
The Vodacom Bulls may be hitting the pitch without their dynamic Springbok utility back, Canan Moodie, when they face the Scarlets in Llanelli next Saturday. Moodie, a key player for the Bulls, succumbed to a hamstring issue in the first half of their resounding 47-7 victory over the Dragons in Newport, sidelining him for the remainder of the game.
"A little bit concerned about Canan," Bulls coach Johan Ackermann disclosed to the media. Moodie felt a twinge in his hamstring just before the break, prompting the decision to bench him for the second half. "With all the injuries at wing we didn't want to risk him further. We weren't confident he could continue. You don’t want to aggravate it and make it worse, so we didn’t take that risk," Ackermann explained.
"At this stage, he's the main concern. There are bumps and bruises, but nothing else we're overly worried about."
The injury list for the Bulls is mounting, especially among the outside backs with Stravino Jacobs, Sebastian de Klerk, Kurt-Lee Arendse (finger), and Cheswill Jooste (foot) all missing the recent clash. "We’ve suddenly been tested at outside back," Ackermann noted, highlighting the growing concerns.
Despite the setbacks, the Bulls managed a dominant performance in the second half against the Dragons. Ackermann reflected on the game's progression, noting, "The scoreline doesn’t really reflect the true match. We had to grind and fight hard. We couldn’t put them away in the first half. They defended well and kept us out, and we made hard work of it."
The team's resilience was evident, especially with captain Marcell Coetzee leading from the front. "Marcell has been outstanding for us over the last few weeks, not just on the field but off it as well," praised Ackermann. When your back is against the wall, you need your leaders to step up and he led by example."
Another standout was Marco van Staden, who after coming on at hooker, managed to score twice, showcasing his versatility and commitment to the team. "Credit to Marco – he’s an absolute team man. He’ll play wherever we pick him," Ackermann said. "He understands his role as a hybrid who can play hooker and in the back row. We felt it worked well to use him there and he showed his value. It’s great to have that option."
The Bulls will hope for quick recoveries among their injured as they prepare for the upcoming challenges in the United Rugby Championship, starting with their next encounter against the Scarlets.