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Mapoe waits on injury news

Johannesburg - Vodacom Bulls utility back Lionel Mapoe will only find out later this week just how bad his dislocated shoulder is and how long it will keep him out of action.

According to the supersport.com website, Mapoe went off the field with the dislocated shoulder during the Bulls 30-25 Super Rugby victory over the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday, and will undergo an MRI scan on Monday before seeing a specialist on Tuesday to ascertain the extent of his injury.

But the likelihood is that despite the three week break in Super Rugby, Mapoe may well have a longer term injury which he may have to overcome.

It was heartbreaking for the Lions’ loan player as word was he had played himself into contention to be selected for the Springbok team. While he may not have been named on Saturday, he would have been very close either way and the injury only worsens the situation for him.

The Lions have already indicated they will leave Mapoe and Callie Visagie at the Bulls for the playoff games if needed, but the outcome of the scan will ultimately determine the player’s fate.

In other news, the Bulls have given Zane Kirchner the all-clear after he came on as a second half substitute on Saturday night, and it is now up to the Bok medical team to say if they will use him or not for Springbok duty.

The Bulls have also received some good news with midfielder Francois Venter set for a return after the mid-season break, thereby offsetting the loss of Wynand Olivier to Montpellier for the last part of the season.

Wing Akona Ndungane will also be fit again after the break, while Paul Willemse still has seven weeks of recovery left after his operation on his knee, making him a better bet for the Absa Currie Cup.

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