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Fourie scare for Bulls

Pretoria - Springbok scrumhalf Fourie du Preez gave the Bulls a massive scare when he twisted his ankle for the second time in two weeks in the Vodacom Bulls final practice session at Loftus Versfeld on Tuesday before they leave on their overseas tour.

Du Preez was going through his paces with his team-mates when he rolled the ankle, and there is much concern that he may not be able to take his place on Saturday when the Bulls start their tour in Perth against the Western Force.

The Vodacom Super 14 log leaders had an inspired last practice session, full of vigour and aggression, with prop Gurthro Steenkamp sporting a split lip from a collision in the physical practice the team put in before they left.

Coach Frans Ludeke said he was concerned about Du Preez, especially as there is currently only one back-up scrumhalf in the touring squad, but that a final decision would be taken on the team’s arrival in Perth.

Springbok utility back Francois Hougaard, who has been playing wing for the team all season, will slot into the scrumhalf position if Du Preez can’t recover in time, but a replacement will then have to be flown in from South Africa to sit on the bench.

Heini Adams, who cracked his rib in a Vodacom Cup match a few weeks ago, is still one week from ready, while Ruan Snyman, the next scrumhalf in line, will not fly out with the team but be on standbye if needed.

“He rolled his ankle in the training session –it was the same one he twisted two weeks ago,” coach Frans Ludeke told Supersport.com about Du Preez’ injury.

“There is luckily a bit of time on our side, and we are flying tonight, so tomorrow will be a better time to gauge the seriousness of the injury, and we will make a decision then.”

While four days for a swollen ankle would normally not be a problem, the Bulls are concerned as the regulated cabin pressure on the aircraft will cause more swelling and is not the ideal situation for an injury of this sort.

“To fly with a swollen ankle is not a very good thing,” Ludeke noted, “But luckily we are very positive about the injury and Fourie is a very positive person, so we’re confident he will be ready.”

The late departure means the Bulls will endure their shortest away leg ever – something the team is excited about and which has lifted the spirits in the camp, especially after the players managed a long weekend with their families before heading on tour.

“Our preparation was very good up to now and we can get on that flight confident of doing well in Perth. We’re excited to go on tour and it is the shortest tour that we’ve been on, so that’s great as well,” Ludeke added.

“We’ve laid a great foundation up to now, but that is what it is. We need to go out on this tour and build on that foundation.”

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