SA latest – Du Preez benched

SA latest – Du Preez benched

12 Apr 2011

Keo.co.za brings you news from South Africa’s Super Rugby franchises.

Du Preez benched - Francois Hougaard starts in place of Fourie du Preez for the Bulls against the Reds in Brisbane.

The move is surprising given the perilous position the Bulls find themselves in. The Bulls have said it was part of a planned rotational policy. Gerhard van den Heever fills the void Hougaard leaves on the wing.

In other changes, Jaco Pretorius and Flip van der Merwe have failed to recover from injuries. Stephan Dippennaar starts at outside centre and Akona Ndungane comes onto a bench spilt 4-3 in favour of forwards.

Chiliboy Ralepelle displaces Gary Botha at hooker, and Derick Kuün runs on at openside flank, Deon Stegmann dropping to the wood.

Bulls – 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Stephan Dippenaar, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Derick Kuün, 5 Victor Matfield (c), 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling.
Subs: 16 Gary Botha, 17 Rossouw de Klerk, 18 Danie Rossouw, 19 Deon Stegmann, 20 Francois Brummer, 21 Fourie du Preez, 22 Akona Ndungane.

Jean still sidelined – Jean de Villiers failed a fitness test on Monday and will miss his second match in succession.

The Stormers’ No 12 went down with a groin injury in training last week, and was replaced by Juan de Jongh when the Stormers hosted the Reds. It’s been confirmed that De Villiers is still battling with the injury and won’t be risked against the Lions.

Lions lose two more – Flank Josh Strauss and lock George Earle have been ruled out of the clash with the Stormers due to concussion.

The news follows James Kamana’s season-ending injury, meaning the Lions will be without three players for Saturday’s game. David Bulbring is likely to replace Earle while Cobus Grobbelaar should start in Strauss’s stead.

Meanwhile, Butch James could make an early start to his Lions tenure. If Bath fail to reach the Premiership play-offs, James will feature for the Lions against the Brumbies in mid-May.


52 Comments

Pages: « 1 [2] Show All

  • 51.Hondo: Reply to this comment
    13 Apr 2011, 03:56 am

    Hougaart brings speed and unpredictability, not sure if his style is the good match for the Bulls forwards, in short we will see an uncontrolled mayhem.
    Genia and Cooper will kick to the left corner just like they did to Habana and Aplon, in short we shall have fun!
    Reds by 12

  • 52.iori Yagami: Reply to this comment
    13 Apr 2011, 07:43 am

    Stormers have options for this weekend with Jean and possibly Habana out. I think Habana needs time off….even if he pulls through for this weekend.

    De Jongh and Fourie can partner again.

    JJ can be brought in for Habana

    or

    Jantjes can play at wing (if fit)

    Or

    Aplon at wing with Jantjes at fullback

    OR

    Lionel Cronje at Fullback with Aplon at wing.

    Lionel Cronje also to make the bench to provide Fullback cover.

Pages: « 1 [2] Show All

Keo.co.za has always promoted uncensored views, but has never tolerated racist or crass outbursts. Come on guys and girls. If you can't moderate yourselves or each other then I am going to be forced to regulate the posts and enforce a registration process for comments. The choice is yours.

Have your say

You must be logged in to post a comment.