VIDEO: White's 'positive' message around Hanekom injury
INJURY UPDATE: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White provided clarity on the injury Cameron Hanekom suffered during the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship 25-13 semifinal win over the Sharks.
White seemed quite calm after one of his star youngsters Cameron Hanekom suffered what appeared to be a serious injury.
Hanekom went down in the 47th minute after a clean-out at a breakdown by Siya Kolisi.
The No.8 appeared to have suffered a hamstring injury and was helped off with a golf cart after receiving medical attention.
The severity of Hanekom’s injury is unknown at this stage but he will miss the Bulls’ URC Final against Leinster next week.
Hanekom is another Springbok who could now be in doubt for the international window after the news emerged that Eben Etzebeth also suffered a head knock at training this past week.
There’s also still uncertainty over scrumhalf Grant Williams’ availability despite his inclusion in the Bok training squad.
White said that Hanekom is a ‘bit down’ but relayed a positive message for the youngster.
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“He’s being given a scan. Obviously, he’s very upset which is natural.
“I told his parents earlier in the changeroom they must remember he is 21 [years old].
“People forget when I started coaching 21-year-old forwards weren’t invited to Bulls training.
“If they were it was generally for the old men to bash them on a Monday night [at training].
“He has obviously jumped the line because he is so talented and he feels a bit down now, but we must not forget that he’s just 21 years old.
“There’s still a lot of rugby that he’s going to be involved in over the next couple of years.”
White is also hopeful that Hanekom’s injury isn’t as bad as it appears but confirmed that his URC season is over despite his team contesting their third Final next week in Dublin.
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“When it is swollen and there’s blood on it, it is tough to see,” The 2007 World Cup-winning coach told @rugby365com.
“They had a look and he won’t play next week [in the URC Final], that I can tell you.
“He thinks he can. He said he might go to the same doctor [Johan] Goosen went to,” White jokingly said.
“He can’t travel with such an injury. I’m hoping for his sake it’s like [Johan] Goosen – a short-term rather than a long-term injury.”
