The Vodacom Bulls have received a welcome boost with props Trevor Nyakane and Lizo Gqoboka set to return to training this week.
Following their come-from-behind 40-35 victory over the Lions at SuperHero Sunday, the Bulls are back at Loftus Versfeld to finalise their preparations ahead of the opening round of Vodacom Super Rugby.
They will travel to Durban on 31 January to begin their campaign against the Sharks, delighted to have their returning Springbok props back.
Nyakane has recovered from the torn calf injury he sustained in the Boks’ defeat by the All Blacks at last year’s World Cup in Japan.
The 30-year-old will take on the role of vice-captain of the squad for the upcoming season, with centre Burger Odendaal the captain.
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Gqoboka, who joined French club Montpellier as a medical joker during the World Cup after missing out on Springbok selection, is also back in the mix following his short stint in the Top 14.
Team doctor Herman Rossouw believes that if all goes according to plan, both Nyakane and Gqoboka will be eligible for selection for the game against the Sharks.
The Bulls do have a few injury concerns following their thrilling win over the Lions.
Fullback Warrick Gelant sustained a concussion and is following the return-to-play protocol. A call on his availability will be made in due course.
Muller Uys had a clash of heads with Johnny Kotze and left the field, but is expected to fully recover by next week.
Meanwhile, Marco van Staden is expected to be out of action for up to six weeks after sustaining a concussion in a preseason warm-up match with UP-Tuks earlier this month.
Photo: Photo: Steve Haag Sport/Hollywoodbets
