Tukkies trio definitely ruled out

Injuries will force FNB Tuks head coach Freddie Grobler to include at least three new faces in his starting line-up for Monday's Varsity Cup match against UJ.

"We'll finalise the team later today only, but I have already been told by our medical experts that Warwick Tecklenberg (flank), Ignick Windvogel (scrumhalf) and Aaron Denenga (wing) will not be eligible for selection," the Tuks coach told this website.

Officially Francois van Wyk (lock), Franco Booysen (centre) and Marius Oosthuizen (flank) are also still on the injury list, but all have a more than equal chance to be fit in time for Monday's FNB Varsity Cup presented by Steinhoff International fixture.

The worst news regarding the injured players is that Tecklenberg has torn the cruciate ligaments in his knee and will be out of action for six months.

The ankle injuries to Windvogel and Denenga are not as serious, thankfully. Ignick will be sidelined for up to two weeks, whilst speedster Aaron might be fit to play again within the next month.

Fortunately for Grobler, and Tuks, the Blue Bulls Company came to the party by releasing five players with provincial contracts. Amongst them are Cornell Hess (lock), Devon Oosthuizen (flank) and Justin van Staden (fullback/wing) - all of whom look set to be included in Tuks' starting line-up.

By Morris Gilbert