Watch VideoSweet and sour for Bulls as Cameron Hanekom returns but Sebastian de Klerk’s prognosis looks bleak

Bok dreams shattered.Bulls speedster Sebastian de Klerk will be out for months following a foot injury picked up against the Stormers. It is a major disappointment for the outside back following a first taste of Springbok rugby during the recent alignment camp held in Cape Town. Bulls speedster Sebastian de Klerk will be out for months following a foot injury picked up against the Stormers.

It’s been atough period for Cameron Hanekom, watching his teammates play week in and week out for about nine months, butthe Bullsare confident their star loose forward is ready to take up the torch in his comeback match on Friday evening. The Springbok will make a welcome return off the replacements bench against Cardiff at Loftus Versfeld (7pm kick-off)as the Bulls look to get back to winning waysin theUnited Rugby Championship (URC). The Pretoria side suffered a32-19 loss against the Stormerslast weekend and will be eager to set the record straight against their Welsh visitors.

Apart from Hanekom’s return, head coach Johan Ackermann has made a host of changes to the side from last week, opting to freshen up the pack and bring in some game-breakers in the backline. Stedman Gans will take his place at inside centre, while winger Cheswill Jooste gets a run on theright wing in place of the injured Sebastian de Klerk. Ackermann confirmed that De Klerk will undergo foot surgery after picking up a Lisfranc injury against the Stormers.

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He is expected to be out for up to six months. “We will only see him at the end of the year, but he is a man of faith. Hopefully, we will see him on the field sooner.

He is disappointed for various reasons; there are no words that can comfort him. “He can’t play for us, for one, and secondly, he had a first taste of Springbok rugby at the alignment camp. And I know the Springboks coaches speak very highly of him.

It is a disappointment. People will be there to support and pray for him. “We can only trust that there is a purpose and that he will be back stronger.

There is enough time for him to come back, play well and who knows, he can still go to the World Cup (in 2027), nothing is impossible. “At the moment, he just needs the support of everyone.” According to Ackermann, they believe Hanekom will be ready for the challenge that lies ahead. The Bulls have done plenty to prepare him for his first game back since last year, and the coach is confident about his fitness. Cardiff are currently fifth on the URC table and will be a tough side to contend with.

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