Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann hopes to welcome a Springbok forward back from injury during the opening two rounds of the URC.
Gerhard Steenekamp has been sidelined with a knee injury since last November, when he earned his 11th Test cap off the bench against Wales in Cardiff.
The 28-year-old was unavailable for Bok selection this season but could feature for the Bulls as early as their opening URC clash against the Ospreys in Pretoria on 27 September.
“Gerhard is working hard on his rehabilitation,” Ackermann told Rapport. “We are taking it week by week, but in the last week he has been progressing well. If his injury continues to progress as it is now, he may be able to make the first match against the Ospreys or at least against Leinster [at Loftus on 4 October].”
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While Steenekamp’s return would be a timely boost, the Bulls are still dealing with a mounting injury list. Loose forwards Cameron Hanekom and Elrigh Louw are long-term absentees, and Ackermann said others are also nursing knocks.
“At the moment we are going through a challenging time, because we have a lot of players who are not available,” he explained. “It’s everywhere we are going to be tested and not just at loose forward. But it’s an opportunity for young men like JJ Theron, Mpilo Gumede and Nama Xaba to step up.”
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Ackermann confirmed that Bok flank Marcell Coetzee is available after escaping suspension for the red card he received against the Cheetahs in the Currie Cup.
Hanekom is only expected back in late November or early December, while Louw could return in February if his recovery goes as planned.
Photo: Gallo Images
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