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Johannesburg - Springbok prop Gurthro Steenkamp received a massive setback Wednesday when his Vodacom Super Rugby season was officially declared over because of injury.
Steenkamp, South Africa’s Player of the year in 2010 went for a check-up at a specialist on his broken arm on Tuesday, but found the diagnosis not as rosy as he wanted it to be, meaning he will miss the remainder of the Super Rugby season.
“Gurthro saw the specialist yesterday for his follow-up consultation,” Vodacom Bulls team doctor Org Strauss told SuperSport.com, “His arm is recovering, but slower than was initially expected and slower than we thought it would.
“It means he will miss the rest of the Super Rugby season but he should be ready for action again in July.”
Steenkamp then would be a doubtful starter for the Tri-Nations competition but should be ready for the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand, barring any further complications.
The rugged prop had a magnificent 2010 season and was looking good in the opening salvos of this year’s Super Rugby competition before he was injured. He was due to return later this month, but with the World Cup looming, has probably gone the conservative route to ensure he is available for the showpiece tournament.
In his absence, young Dean Greyling has excelled and is fast making a name for himself with his powerful ball carries.
Dr Strauss also added that while both Dewald Potgieter and Francois Hougaard were both still struggling with ankle strains, he expected them both to be fit for selection next week after the Bulls bye this week.
Midfielder Jaco Pretorius is also expected to have made a full recovery from his neck strain by then.
