Bulls face potential flyhalf crisis after suffering Pollard blow
SPOTLIGHT: The Bulls will be without the services of Springbok Handré Pollard for the remainder of their three-match United Rugby Championship tour.
Pollard made his URC debut for the Bulls in their 7-28 loss to Ulster in Belfast on Saturday.
The marquee signing will return home for the birth of his second child, Bulls head coach Johan Ackerman confirmed.
He will be unavailable for their upcoming tour fixtures against Connacht and Glasgow Warriors.
Ackermann also couldn’t confirm whether Pollard will be available for their home fixture against the Lions, with the Boks playing against Wales on the same day.
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“I tried to stick to my word, which was that he [Handré Pollard] was always going to play just one game,” Ackermann said.
“His wife is due [to give birth] on October 20, so he wants to return home in time for the occasion.
“There’s always the possibility that the baby can arrive earlier, so he will be with his wife and his family.
“We don’t know which players will be available for the clash against the Lions because the Boks are playing on the same day.
“We’ll have to see who is available to play.”
On the positive front, flyhalf Johan Goosen is in contention to make his first appearance of the season in their upcoming clash against Connacht.
Ackermann said that Goosen suffered a calf strain during training last week and that they’ll make a final call on his participation against Connacht on Monday.
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“Johan [Goosen] joined us on the second day of the tour, and on the second day of training, he felt a bit of discomfort in his calf.
“We will make a final decision on his availability tomorrow [Monday] to play against Connacht when we start training.
“We are currently halfway on our trip to Connacht, but we will reassess his availability.”
Ackermann also confirmed that fullback Devon Williams will travel home after suffering a hamstring injury during the 14th minute in the loss to Ulster.
“Devon [Williams] injured his hamstring, which will rule him out for an unknown number of weeks.
“He [Williams] will return home on Monday.
“The rest of the squad is in good health apart from a few bumps and bruises from a few players we’ll have to manage this week.
“The medical team is positive that they’ll be available should we require them to play on Friday.”
Williams’ injury is significant considering the Bulls’ current issues at No.10, leaving only Keagan Johannes and Willie Le Roux available to play flyhalf should Goosen not pass his fitness test.
