Unbeaten Bulls pay dear price ahead of Euro trip
INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls may have remained unbeaten in the United Rugby Championship, but they may well be without three stars on their European trip.
The Bulls depart at the weekend for matches with Glasgow Warriors (next Saturday), Munster (October 15) and Benetton (October 21).
However, two Springboks and a Bok training squad member were injured in their 28-14 win over Irish province Connacht at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels came on at hooker for Johan Grobbelaar in the 24th minute, after the burly front row forward damaged his ankle.
Lionel Mapoe replaced Canan Moodie at the same time, after the Bok starlet injured his hamstring.
Chris Smith joined the fray in the 69th minute after Sibusiso Nkosi suffered a concussion.
The Bok flyer left the field after a cheap shot to the head by Connacht captain Jarrad Butler that went unpunished.
Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White said they will undergo scans ahead of the team announcement on Saturday.
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“Luckily they don’t appear to be long-term injuries,” the Bulls boss said.
White said the unbeaten start to the season could prove invaluable when the competition heads into the final stretch towards the play-offs.
They have 14 out of a possible 15 points after three rounds.
“Last season we fell short of hosting the Final by one or two points,” he said, adding: “This time last year we only had four points and were second from last on the standings.
“It is great to have points in the bag ahead of the tour.
“Last time we went on tour we won one game.”
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