Wikus may be fit for Sharks

2008-06-30 22:07

Johannesburg - While the Sharks are a little worried about the ankle injury to scrumhalf Rory Kockott, the Blue Bulls are hoping that their captain Wikus van Heerden will be available for the Absa Currie Cup clash between the two teams at Loftus on Saturday.

Van Heerden injured his ribs against the Lions but is optimistic that he will be able to face the Sharks.

The Blue Bulls' team doctor Org Strauss said at the afternoon training session on Monday that there is a 70 percent possibility that Van Heerden will play and the player himself is very keen to get back on the playing field as soon as possible.

Springbok flyhalf Derick Hougaard (abscess) and fullback Zane Kirchner (groin) have also recovered from their respective injuries and are eligible for the weekend's match, while it is hoped that scrumhalf Fourie du Preez will be fit when the Bulls play the Cheetahs at Loftus the following weekend.

More good news for the Blue Bulls is that prop Rayno Gerber is fit after injuring his arm against Western Province and lock Francois van Schouwenburg, who injured his calve muscle, will also be fit for the Sharks match.

However, the SA Under-20 centre pairing of Stephan Dippenaar and Stefan Watermeyer will not be considered for the Bulls' next game. Dippenaar is carrying an arm injury and will be on the sideline for another week, while Watermeyer's knee will force him to sit out for at least 14 days.

Meanwhile Sharks coach John Plumtree is optimistic that Kockott will be fit for the crunch at Loftus and also that flyhalf Brad Baritt, who had to withdraw from Friday's match against the Boland Cavaliers, will be fit for consideration. However, Steve Sykes' availability is a matter of concern.

- SAPA