Bulls' injury crisis deepens ahead of semifinal
REACTION: The Bulls’ injury concerns have deepened ahead of their United Rugby Championship semifinal, with winger Sergeal Pietersen set to miss the clash after suffering a shoulder injury against Munster at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Johan Ackermann’s side booked their place in the last four with an impressive quarterfinal victory over Munster and will now travel to Edinburgh, where they face Glasgow Warriors at Murrayfield next weekend.
The Bulls were already dealt a late setback before kick-off against Munster when Springbok tighthead prop Wilco Louw withdrew from the matchday squad after being struck down by bronchitis.
Despite Louw’s absence, the Bulls still dominated the set pieces, laying the platform for a commanding performance that secured their passage to the semifinals.
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#REPORT: Bulls destroy Munster to book Murrayfield semifinal 👇#URC #Bulls #Munster #BULvMUN https://t.co/rcuzmUaCXL
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The squad departs for Scotland on Tuesday, although it remains unclear whether Louw will be fit enough to travel.
“There are a few knocks that we’re a little bit concerned about,” Ackermann said after the match.
“Hopefully it’s only knocks. But it looks like Sergeal won’t make next week. He’s done his shoulder quite badly, so that’s the one we’re aware of now.”
There was, however, some positive news for the Pretoria outfit, with winger Cheswill Jooste closing in on a return after missing the Munster clash with a hamstring injury.
“He’s almost ready, so hopefully by Monday he can train with us and be an option, especially now with Sergeal out,” Ackermann explained.
“That’s been one area where we’ve just scraped through the whole season. If one winger is out, another one goes down.”
Jooste’s return would provide a timely boost for the Bulls as they prepare for another massive knockout encounter on the road, with a place in the URC final at stake.
