Spies and Stegmann fit to play

Team doctor Org Strauss was the bearer of the good news late on Tuesday when he declared both No 8 Pierre Spies and flanker Deon Stegmann over their injuries and fit to be considered for selection.

As the Bulls reverted to their tried and tested shift to the Loftus Versfeld A field, as they do at the playoff stages of the competition, the inclusion of the two stars in the team to be named later today will no doubt put a smile on the face of coach Frans Ludeke.

Spies was suffering from a calf strain sustained in the Springbok conditioning programme while Stegmann has been fighting a hamstring strain for a month now to be fit to take the field again.

And in addition to this, the players with niggles – flanker Dewald Potgieter and utility loose forward Danie Rossouw, were both cleared of their injuries.

The only worry now for the Bulls is midfielder Wynand Olivier, who missed training on Tuesday with a groin strain, but the medical staff say this is more precautionary than anything else. Olivier is expected to take his place on Saturday in the team.

Still, at this stage of the competition, caution is the watchword, and for that reason, the Bulls have decided that young rising star Stefan Watermeyer will also make the trip to Durban as cover for the Bok midfielder.

“We are in the privileged position that the two of them came through the practice session and are fit, Danie and Dewald have also been cleared and can be considered for selection,” Dr Org Strauss told SuperSport.com.

“Steggies has been struggling with the hamstring for a while now and hard work by our physios, Ronee Eksteen and Stephen Plummer has paid off and he is ready for action.”

Coach Ludeke was keeping his cards close to his chest but it will be a major surprise if the duo aren’t included in the 22 man squad. While a start is possible, it is more likely they will start off the bench to give the Bulls a massive impact in the Durban heat in the second half.

“We still have to make the final decision but the progress is pleasing. There is obviously one or two small things we have to check out and make a final decision on, but so far it is a good thing. There are a lot of positives around at the moment,” Ludeke said.

Either way, Ludeke’s decision on Danie Rossouw at No 8 and Derick Kuün at openside flank or Spies and Stegmann is a tough one. Most sides in the competition would be envious at the chance of having a selection problem like this.