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Chiliboy a late inclusion?

J.J. Harmse

Pretoria – There is still a chance that Springbok hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle will be able to run out against the EP Kings at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday.

Ralepelle and his Springbok and Bulls team-mate Bjorn Basson are set to get the go ahead to play rugby again, following months of uncertainty about their status. Ralepelle may be a late inclusion for the Bulls’ compulsory friendly against the Kings.

The pair appeared in front of a judicial committee of the South African Rugby Union (Saru) on Tuesday to explain why they tested positive for the banned stimulant methylhexaneamine.

The positive tests were returned on the Springboks’ tour in November after the Springboks’ match against Ireland.

Sport24 understands that it’s virtually certain that they will not be suspended, which will give Ralepelle the opportunity to fly to Port Elizabeth with the Bulls.

Basson is expected to make his debut in Nelspruit next week. He has just recovered from an ankle injury.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke did not want to talk about the possibilities on Thursday, but said his team was ready for the Kings.

“We will approach the match like any other. We will take kicks at posts when we get penalties inside kicking distance, while there may be times where we opt for attacking lineouts. It’s as important for our kickers to kick goals under pressure, as it is for the pack to get their scrums and lineouts right.”

Ludeke is eager to see how his team reaps the fruits of their pre-season training.

“The Kings have been together for a while, and it’s an important opportunity for them to show that they are headed in the right direction. We’re now entering the playing phase of our pre-season, and with Super Rugby fast approaching it’s important that we use opportunities like these.”
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