/ 19 March 2008

Bulls left to battle without Habana

The Bulls will be without Bryan Habana for their Super 14 match against the Chiefs in Roturua on Saturday. The 2007 IRB Player of the Year has not been considered due to a recurrence of a shoulder injury, and Danwel Demas will replace him on the left wing.

The Bulls will be without Bryan Habana for their Super 14 match against the Chiefs in Roturua on Saturday. The 2007 IRB Player of the Year has not been considered due to a recurrence of a shoulder injury, and Danwel Demas will replace him on the left wing.

Coach Frans Ludeke has therefore had to abandon the plan of playing Habana at fullback in place of Morne Steyn.

Steyn’s selection as fullback was brought about by the suspension of Zane Kirchner, who will be available again next weekend.

Meanwhile, Deon Stegmann has been brought back at flank in an attempt to up the pace to the loose ball.

Stegmann replaces World Cup number eight Danie Rossouw, who moves to lock in place of young Wilhelm Steenkamp, who is on the bench.

Bandise Maku, who joined the team this week after flying out as a replacement for James van der Walt, is on the bench as replacement hooker, and Hilton Lobberts also returns as replacement in place of Dean Greyling.

Ludeke has again opted for a five-two bench, with Heini Adams and Stephan Dippenaar the only backs on the bench. – Sapa

Team:

Morne Steyn, Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Danwel Demas, Derick Hougaard, Fourie du Preez (captain), Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden, Deon Stegmann, Danie Rossouw, Bakkies Botha, Rayno Gerber, Derick Kuün, Gurthro Steenkamp

Replacements: Bandise Maku, Werner Kruger, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Hilton Lobberts, Dewald Potgieter, Heini Adams, Stephan Dippenaar