VIDEO: Bulls get their Bok front row back
INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls received a timely boost ahead of the start of the Super Rugby season.
Following their 40-35 win over the Lions in the Super Sunday pre-season outing in Soweto at the weekend, it was confirmed that they are likely to have their Springboks props Trevor Nyakane and Lizo Gqoboka available for the opening round.
The Bulls travel to Durban to open their campaign against the Sharks on January 31.
Seasoned prop Trevor Nyakane, who tore his right calf in the 13-23 loss New Zealand in the Boks’ opening World Cup match in September last year, has recovered from his injury.
With 42 Tests, the 30-year-old Nyakane will be an invaluable asset to the Bulls.
Gqoboka, who had a short loan spell with French club Montpellier after missing out on World Cup selection, is also back in the selection frame in Pretoria.
Nyakane and Gqoboka will both start training with the Bulls from Wednesday.
According to team doctor Herman Rossouw, if all goes according to plan, they will both be available for selection against the Sharks next week.
The Bulls do have a few injury concerns, following their impressive win over the Lions.
Marco van Staden, who sustained a concussion in a pre-season warm-up match against the University of Pretoria earlier this month, is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks.
Warrick Gelant sustained a concussion against the Lions this past Sunday and is following the ‘return to play protocol’.
A call on his availability will be made in due course.
Muller Uys had a clash of heads with Johnny Kotze and left the field in Soweto.
He is expected to make a full recovery by next week.
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