Bulls get good news on crocked Bok

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Springbok lock Ruan Nortje is reportedly set to return for the Vodacom Bulls before the end of the season after suffering a serious knee injury against the Lions.

According to Netwerk24, initial fears of a long-term setback have eased, though the influential Nortje is unlikely to feature in next month's Vodacom URC derbies.

His absence, along with that of fellow co-captain and loose forward Elrigh Louw – who is understood to have been ruled out for the season following knee surgery – leaves a void for the Bulls in the pack.

Jake White has back-row depth to call on, with Marco van Staden and Jannes Kirsten set to return from injury. Nama Xaba, Mpilo Gumede and Corne Beets could also be considered in the loose trio with Boks Marcell Coetzee, Nizaam Carr and Cameron Hanekom.

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At lock, the Bulls can turn to Ruan Vermaak, Cobus Wiese, JF van Heerden, Reinhardt Ludwig, Sintu Manjezi or Kirsten.

Meanwhile, Johan Goosen's injury could see veteran fullback Willie le Roux start at flyhalf against the Stormers next week, following his game-changing impact at Ellis Park last Saturday.

Coetzee, Carr, Johan Grobbelaar and Akker van der Merwe are the front-runners to take over the captaincy.

The Bulls face a challenging schedule with clashes against the Stormers (8 February and 1 March), Sharks (15 February), and Lions (22 February). 

Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images

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