Currie Cup

Bakkies' suspension over

2010-09-06 22:30
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Bakkies Botha (Gallo Images)
JJ Harmse

Pretoria – “It’s nice to be back.”

The remark by Bakkies Botha could just as well have been the official comment from the Blue Bulls.

The Currie Cup champions are among the competition’s top sides again following their powerful performance against the Sharks at the weekend. They will hope to continue on the winning track when they travel to Free State on Saturday.

Botha, who has just completed a suspension of nine weeks, is expected to play lock and his performance is being eagerly anticipated.

He may be short of match practice, but has completed a conditioning programme the last month or so and was regularly seen sprinting.

Botha ran in front when the team finished its session with a few sprints on Monday.

The burning question is whether Botha will be able to keep his robust play within acceptable limits. However, the veteran lock has been around the block often enough to cross that bridge.

Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke could hardly suppress his smile – not just about Botha, but also the victory.

“Yes, it’s fantastic to have him back. He’s a special player and his presence lifts the team. Everyone is eager to see him in action again. We needed that victory badly because we’re among the leaders again and know that we have our destiny in our own hands.”

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