Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann will be forced into another significant reshuffle as he attempts to get his side back on track against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
The Bulls are licking their wounds after a humiliating 50-5 Investec Champions Cup defeat to Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens, and their problems have been compounded by a growing injury list ahead of crucial URC derbies against the Sharks and the Stormers.
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According to Netwerk24, a source within the Bulls camp has confirmed that regular captain Marcel Coetzee sustained a rib injury against the Saints, while scrumhalf Zak Burger picked up a calf complaint. Centre PA van Niekerk is in concussion protocols, and flyhalf Kade Wolhuter faces an extended spell on the sidelines after tearing knee ligaments.
The injuries to Coetzee and Wolhuter, in particular, will be a major concern for Ackermann. Coetzee, who has earned 31 Test caps for the Springboks, is set to undergo further medical assessments on Wednesday and is expected to be sidelined for several weeks.
Wolhuter had been brought in on loan from the Lions to help fill the void left by Jaco van der Walt’s move to the Cheetahs and to provide cover at flyhalf. His injury leaves Handré Pollard and Keagan Johannes as the only fit recognised playmakers currently available to the Bulls.
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