VIDEO: Bulls sweating over World Cup winner ahead of Final
INJURY UPDATE: The Bulls risk losing a third member of their famous World Cup-winning group through injury, following their 25-20 United Rugby Championship semifinal win over Leinster.
This result, following Glasgow Warriors’ 17-10 win over the other Irish team, Munster, means the Bulls will host the Final at Loftus Versfeld next Saturday.
However, they may have to do so without Willie le Roux, who produced a world-class performance in the semifinal win over Leinster at the weekend.
The 94-times capped Springbok suffered a neck injury and failed a Head Injury Assessment after an off-the-ball cheap shot.
He was replaced in the 55th minute and failed his HIA.
In his post-match reaction Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White said Le Roux also suffered a neck injury.
He could join fellow World Cup winners Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse on the sidelines.
(Jake White gives an injury update after the Bulls’ semifinal win …)
“He will see how the neck injury is,” the Bulls boss said, adding: “It is not great.”
All three – Le Roux, Moodie and Arendse – would be in the running to face Ireland in the two-match Test series next month if they are fit.
“He was outstanding,” White said of Le Roux – who was heavily involved from the outset and produced masterclass in playmaking.
Not only was there some sublime tactical kicking, there was a great carry and wrap-around to go with a great 50-22 kick – a nine-out-of-10 performance on @rugby365com’s player ratings.
“People underestimate his value – from the way that he talks on the field, those kicks he did at the back.”
White said the revamped back three of Devon Williams, Sergeal Petersen and Le Roux exceeded expectations.
“An opportunity will come next week for someone else,” he said, adding: “We’ll put someone in his place if he is not available.”
He said he will not take a risk with an HIA, but will wait to see if he recovers from the neck injury and passes his HIA protocol.
“I am not banking on that,” that.
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