Fourie’s fate in the balance
6 Feb 2006
Bulls scrumhalf Fourie du Preez has a 50% chance of playing against the Cheetahs in Friday night’s Super 14 opener in Bloemfontein.
Du Preez injured his knee on the training field in pre-season, but has responded well to treatment.
“Fourie started training with us again last week and we will probably decide on Monday if he will be fit to play,” Bulls assistant coach Mike Bayly told Beeld.
If Du Preez fails to recover, former Eagles No 9 Heini Adams will start against the Cheetahs.
Bayly also refused to confirm the new Bulls captain, saying it was down to Johan Wasserman or Jacques Cronje. Wasserman is the favourite to replace the injured Gary Botha.
Friday night’s game is expected to draw a rare full house to Bloemfontein, as the locals flock to support their Currie Cup champions.
“The Cheetahs’ biggest strength is the excellent balance in the side,” Bayly told Beeld. “They have a very physical pack able to set the pace, while the backs also don’t have to play second fiddle to anyone. Behind a pack that dictates, the halves can dictate the course of the match. We know from experience the Cheetahs can be very dangerous when they start attacks from broken play.”

20 Comments
6 Feb 2006, 06:59 am
Morning all,today is just such a brilliant day.
6 Feb 2006, 07:05 am
Hello Bliksem.
FDP to put 10 points on the cheetahs.
6 Feb 2006, 07:05 am
why bliksem? a few days to some decent rugby starts lol.
6 Feb 2006, 07:13 am
I just woke up this morning and realised yet again that i am not a ausiie or a pom.sweet.
6 Feb 2006, 07:22 am
My beloved Cheetahs to walk this one.
6 Feb 2006, 07:24 am
On the sjarks website they have a counter that shows that the sjarks are paying their next game in 370 days.I hope they have told the players that its a mistake.
6 Feb 2006, 07:27 am
Bliksem
Heheheheeh
Have you realised your computer is set to 2005 which would add the extra 365 days. When I go to the site it tells me 5 days.
6 Feb 2006, 07:30 am
Thanks KSA I am not a computer boffin.I can surf the web and check my email.Thats al i need to do.I reckon the Chiefs will do a job on the sjarks Sat.I will atleast be onhand to comfort the female sjarks fans after the game.
6 Feb 2006, 07:33 am
Bliksem
I hope(like in post 6)
you are not talking to soon. i.e the sharks have already surprised you and the season has not even kicked off yet…..
6 Feb 2006, 07:35 am
No KSA my selfchosen ignorance of IT has surprised me.The only way that the sjarks will surpise is by their bad administration.Seems like Butch is out for the season.Muir isnt sure when Brown is coming over.Those 2 samoans they have signed hasnt done anything in the warm up games.
6 Feb 2006, 07:43 am
wow, blueblood! you’re making progress!
6 Feb 2006, 07:45 am
Hey Bliksem.
The games were ONLY warm-ups. Tuilagi was not even over his jetlag yet. I think (hope)they will both perform this weekend.
As the saying goes: I support two teams. The Sharks and anybody who plays against the Bulls. So for this week at least I am also supporting you.
6 Feb 2006, 08:04 am
More Bliksem!!
Ek stem saam met jou oor die Sharks ,die enigste manier wat hulle gaan wen is wanneer die chief nie opdaag nie……:-)
Maar het jy saterdag n game gemis by die club!!
Die koppe he hard gestamp….
6 Feb 2006, 08:32 am
Let’s hope this fourie chap is fit and ready for the Super 14. A real talent with the ability to turn a game on it’s head (when he’s not having an “off” day)
6 Feb 2006, 08:36 am
Mmmh don’t rush him back and make the injury worse – it amazing how all the pre season injuries are responding amazingly well to treatment !
6 Feb 2006, 09:04 am
The Cheetas also have a bunch of injuries, will be interesting to see how it goes.
Maybe the Bulls can beat their bad start bogey of the last 2 years.
I have a feeling that this the year that the Bulls under 19,21 success is going to translate in a very good rugby year. Even better than the last 4.
6 Feb 2006, 09:14 am
FDP will start, his injury is a mind game-
Does not matter who start- it will be a 50/50 game.
GROM SAAM-GO VODACOM CHEETAHS- GO SUPER 14!!
6 Feb 2006, 10:56 am
i also think fourie is ready and will start. heyneke wants to start with a win this year and my money is on him to get it.
nou die blou
6 Feb 2006, 11:46 am
not to concerned, the number of games fourie plays this year should be limited. Being the best sh in the world(my opinion) he is a vital player for next years world cup.
6 Feb 2006, 12:33 pm
FdP must stay on the bench for this one, its going to be a tough encounter for no gain, dont get injured.
He qnd januarie are a long way better than the other scrummies and he will be needed against England.
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