The Vodacom Bulls have been dealt a major setback, with rising star Sebastian de Klerk set for a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a serious foot injury. MORNÉ ESBEN reports.
Coach Johan Ackermann confirmed the winger will likely miss most of the year after going down in the 32-19 defeat to the Stormers at Loftus.
“It’s a lisfranc (mid foot ligament damage) injury and it means it has to be fixed surgically. I don’t want to speculate, but it is a five to six-month recovery time and then they have to remove stuff, and then it’s another period out. So it’s likely that we’ll only see him back at the end of the year.”
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It’s a brutal blow for one of the Bulls’ most exciting young prospects, and one that also derails his growing Springbok ambitions.
De Klerk recently got a taste of the national setup through an alignment camp, and had been firmly in the conversation heading into a big international year after a string of strong, consistent performances.
“Obviously there are no words to comfort him. We have sent him a message, but he is disappointed for various reasons – one that he can’t play and two because he’s now had a first taste of the Springbok environment even though it was only an alignment camp. I know the Springbok coaches speak very highly of him.”
The timing could hardly be worse, with the injury ruling him out of the upcoming international window – including the Nations Championship and the ‘Greatest Rivalry’ tour – competitions that may have offered him a breakthrough opportunity.
While the Bulls regroup ahead of Friday’s clash against Cardiff at Loftus, attention will inevitably shift to how they cover the loss of De Klerk’s pace and finishing ability out wide.
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There is, however, a measure of good news for Ackermann.
The return of Cameron Hanekom after a nine-month injury lay-off provides a timely boost to the squad.
“Obviously it’s great news to have Cameron back. It was a tough time for him seeing the boys play and he couldn’t play, so he’s really excited. We’re confident we’ve done a lot to prepare him and I’m sure he’s fully fit. He’s done all the off-field testing to make sure that he’s 100% and he’s looking good at training.”
Ackermann acknowledged there may be some rust, but backed Hanekom to make an impact as he works his way back.
“There’s always a bit of nervousness when you come back from an injury, how sharp are you and how good will you play. But ultimately any player who’s played at a high level before has the talent and he must just enjoy himself. I think that’ll be the message: go out and express yourself.”
Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images
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