Spies set for Bulls return

MICHAEL MENTZ

JOHANNESBURG - It was business as usual in the Bulls camp yesterday when scrumhalf Fourie du Preez returned to practice with his team-mates after an injury scare.

Du Preez sprained his ankle during Monday’s training session, but did not sustain any serious damage and is likely to be included in the squad that will be taking on the Highlanders at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Another familiar face that should be back in the thick of things is Springbok eighthman Pierre Spies who missed the Bulls’ last match due to a leg injury he picked up against the Brumbies.

Under the revised law applications where multi phase build-ups and rolling mauls have returned to the game, the role of a prolific ball-barrier like Spies has to fulfil is that much more important.

Having had a two weak break from the game, he cannot wait to return to the action.

“Any sort of break is good, but to have had two weeks off gave me enough time to rest and recover and I have to say that I am really excited to be back,” said Spies.

Time away from the game also gave the Pretoria squad some time to reassess where they can improve – being the best means having to stay a step ahead of the competition at all times.

“The results have been good, but we have set our own standards which we have not quite lived up to yet,” said Spies.

While scoring 149 points in their first three fixtures is quite an accomplishment, letting in 104 points must have defence coach John McFarland slightly concerned.

“It (our defence) is definitely something we have to work harder at as it doesn’t help to score 50 odd points a game while letting in a big score at the same time,” said Spies.

Meanwhile there may be a few changes on the cards when coach Frans Ludeke announces his team today.

Wing Francois Hougaard could be utilised as the team’s replacement scrumhalf leaving space on the bench for Ludeke to include another loose-forward. And with all the Bulls loose forwards having adjusted well to the new breakdown interpretations, leaving one out could be one of Ludeke’s most difficult posers. The Bulls coach – who packed down at the side of the scrum during his playing career – might consider leaving replacement scrumhalf Heini Adams out of the match 22 this week.

It will also be interesting to see whether hooker Bandise Maku will be earning his first Super 14 starting cap after the superb performance he had against the Waratahs.