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Bulls hoping on a return for Hanekom, Coetzee

rugby19 March 2025 07:40
By:Brenden Nel
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The Vodacom Bulls are keeping their cards close to their chest, but the indications are that both Springbok loose forwards Marcell Coetzee and Cameron Hanekom could return to action as they prepare to take on Leinster in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Hanekom was withdrawn before the Sharks game a number of weeks ago with a haematoma, and he didn’t return as expected before the loss to the Stormers a few weeks later.

The Springbok rookie, who has been at the heart of the Bulls attack all season, was missed against the Stormers and his work off the base of the scrum and ability to break tackles was something the Bulls desperately needed during that game.

Coach Jake White gave the indication that Hanekom should be ready after the week’s break after the Stormers’ game, and the Bulls will be hoping he is ready this week to face Leinster and next week Zebre in a block of games that hold vital points before they head overseas to resume EPCR Challenge Cup action.

Coetzee, on the other hand, was playing some of the best rugby of his career before he was concussed against the Emirates Lions, and was enjoying his time.

Despite the enforced 12 day layoff for return to play protocol, Coetzee also missed the Stormers game as the Bulls followed a conservative approach with him for his return. But it is hoped that he will be ready and able to play this week to bolster the side with some more experience as well.

This is especially important as both their regular season captains in Ruan Nortje and Elrigh Louw are on the sidelines with long term injuries.

The Bulls will also be hoping that Johan Goosen’s knee injury has healed sufficiently that he could make an appearance in the next two weeks. While Goosen has been on the sidelines, veteran Bok fullback Willie le Roux has filled in at 10 with mixed results, while David Kriel has taken over the kicking duties.

It may be more the adjustment to the way that Le Roux plays, and the role he himself has to grow into at 10, but the Bulls backline would welcome a more dominant boot to aid in their ability to transfer pressure onto the opposition.

Goosen has his limitations, of course, but when on song with the boot, he can be devastating. The announcement of the arrival of Handre Pollard at the end of the season may also be the motivation he needs at the right time.

Either way the Bulls know they will have to be good enough with the team they put on the field. Leinster, even without their internationals, are a tricky team to play and can make life difficult for the home side.

Loftus hasn’t been an ally and teams have won more regularly in the last year at altitude than the Bulls would like. Their own finishing has cost them crucial games as well, especially against the Sharks and Stormers.

So there is a lot to work on for White and co, but having some big names back may make that work a lot easier.

The Bulls will name their side for the clash on Friday.

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