Hougaard to the rescue
10 Jul 2006
Derick Hougaard’s return to the Blue Bulls is imminent, but is hanging on the outcome of a fitness test tomorrow.
The ailing Blue Bulls have not been their destructive self without the gifted flyhalf and his return is great news for Bulls fans who watched their team struggle against Western Province at the weekend.
But they might have to wait another week at least.
Hougaard is training with the squad already, but will not be rushed back after being out for nearly four months with a serious ankle injury.
He has been out of action since injuring his ankle in the Bulls Vodacom Super 14 match against the Blues at the end of March. “It’s been very frustrating sitting on the sidelines and I can’t wait to get back on the park,” Hougaard told keo.co.za.
“I might be back this weekend, but if not then I’m sure I will be ready next weekend.” The Bulls could probably afford to let Hougaard miss the Pumas match on Saturday, but his presence will be sorely needed when they take on the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld the following weekend.
The Bulls are in desperate need of shake up and Hougaard’s proven match-winning ability may be just what the doctor ordered. “The ankle is feeling good, but i don’t think it is 100% just yet, but we will see tomorrow when a decision will definitely be made.”
Other players who are coming back from injury include fullback Johan Roets and flank Johan Wassermann. They too will undergo fitness tests on Tuesday.
By Andrew Hollely
68 Comments
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11 Jul 2006, 08:49 am
I really like the idea of Hougaard (who seems to find/make time even under pressure) at 10, Steyn (spelt like this ciccino) at 12, Habana at 13 and Ndungane and Mametsa on wings. If the Bulls then managed to get hold of Nokwe for wing replacement(who’s career is going nowhere at the Stormers), they would have two thinkers and kickers on the inside with good defence, and massive speed and guts on the outside.
11 Jul 2006, 08:52 am
I have always said Hougaard has huge talent, but talent only counts for 10% (the top ten) while training and hard work counts for the rest. If that talent is not harnessed by hard work and training, then it is useless. If there is one crime in life, it is having talent but lacking the will to haress and use it. Its like taking an expensive gift and grinding it into the dirt.
11 Jul 2006, 09:02 am
they have tryed Steyn (right this time) at 12 behind Hougie a couple of games last year but it didn’t work. My explanatin would be that Hougie plays too deep and he needs a big strong 12 to take a ball over advantage line to set quick 2 fase like they did with Dries and Tian a couple seasons back.
Whereas Morne plays flatter and has better distribution with him at 10 we need a fast and skillful 12 like EB or WO who can accelerate draw defender and offload. I just as experiment would like to see how young Pothieter (I’m not southafrican so sorry for spelling names) will slot behind Steyn a he lookes strong enough but also played flyhalf and suppose has good ball skills.
At the time bulls playing wrong gameplan and wrong combinatins. that is why we saw WO behind Hougeerd crashing trough channel 1 and not getting over advantage line, once they morne got in 10-12 combo looked much better.
the same is Steyn – Welsh combination it just won’t work. If they want welsh at 12 they should play Hugaard. If they play Steyn they should find more skillful 12.
11 Jul 2006, 09:14 am
here is an interesting thought why not try Hougaard at 12?
11 Jul 2006, 09:22 am
Die Bulle het meer as Hougaardt nodig vir ‘n rescue.
11 Jul 2006, 09:24 am
kyk wat het brown vir die sharks gedoen en hougie is 2 keer better as brown
11 Jul 2006, 09:37 am
Drunk ****** … you not very bright …
You can swop Morne and Hougie they both cast in the same mould,”useless kickers” … the Bulls train is coming unstuck they are creatively challenged … they cannot play beautiful rugby … and they getting found out …
Die Koppe stamp Sh*t is being exposed
11 Jul 2006, 09:43 am
aquarius no i dont shine very much …
11 Jul 2006, 09:46 am
mmm … no need to wear my glasses for this one … Just like Hougard … his future’s not that bright …
CC is going to either Free state or durban … you take your pick …
11 Jul 2006, 09:51 am
wow is that so … you so cleva aquarius27. *stick a silverstar on aquarius27 forehead*
hahaha nee kyk daar is een span en dis die bulle julle ouens raak happy oor 1 game wat die bulle verloor het met 5 punte en dis die bulle se 3de span gewees. die ander is injured en ons ander span oefen in australia.
Kyk julle gaan nog huil as hougie terug is want dan gaan julle gatte sien.
11 Jul 2006, 10:03 am
go ******, go!
11 Jul 2006, 10:09 am
****** 1 auqa 0
11 Jul 2006, 10:38 am
Go Aqua! The cup will be in Bloemfontein or Durbs, as you said.
11 Jul 2006, 13:20 pm
The final might be in Bloem, but the cup will go to Pretoria.
Durbs would not even be in the picture.
28 minutes, 4 tries…
11 Jul 2006, 13:47 pm
i dont see how hougaard can change whats happening with the Bulls the problem seems to be wit the forwads backs are not getting good ball and they are late at point of breakdown
11 Jul 2006, 13:57 pm
Ja Stan, leef in die verlede en dream on…you tend to be very selective in terms of bringing up the past when it suits you, but you start b#$%^$#ng the moment someone else does it… Province het Saterdag julle gatte fair and square geskop – stop van myne!!!!
“M$%r hulle” rugby will never take SA to the #1 slot in the world (ever) again, and the sooner we start realising that and adapting at 1st class level the better. SA will not win against Wobblies this weekend exactly because the whole BB first team and their game plan is training in Aus. And AB’s wil “m#$r” us the week there after…
11 Jul 2006, 14:55 pm
you contradict yourself alibaba
11 Jul 2006, 17:57 pm
Well then blame the coach and not the Bulls.
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