The Vodacom Bulls return from England facing a tough week marked by injuries, poor recent results and uncertainty over key player availability ahead of their United Rugby Championship derby against the Hollywoodbets Sharks this Saturday.

 

The biggest concern is flyhalf Kade Wolhuter, who left the field injured and is currently on crutches. Bulls management fear his knee injury could be serious, which would further deepen the team’s problems at number 10. Wolhuter had been brought in on loan from the Lions as cover for Johan Goosen, whose ongoing calf injury could force him into early retirement.

 

Wolhuter’s signing was always considered a risk due to his injury history, and he struggled with the pace and intensity of the game against Northampton. He missed touch twice from penalty kicks and one of his kicks led directly to a try. While the challenge was a big one against last season’s finalists, his injury now leaves the Bulls with very few options in the playmaking role.

 

The Bulls are hopeful that Handre Pollard will be available for the Sharks clash after being unavailable last weekend. Keagan Johannes is another option at flyhalf, while Willie le Roux could also fill the role if needed, although he is expected to start at fullback.

 

Injury troubles do not end there. Young winger Cheswill Jooste is sidelined with a shoulder injury, tighthead prop Francois Kloppers is out with an infected toenail, and at least three more players picked up injuries during the loss to Northampton. Centre Jan Serfontein is also ruled out for around eight weeks.

 

Head coach Johan Ackermann indicated that while Wolhuter showed promise under difficult conditions, the immediate concern is his fitness. He explained that the injury happened while Wolhuter was tracking back and that medical staff will only know the full extent once the team returns to Pretoria for assessment. Ackermann admitted it was unlikely Wolhuter would be ready for this weekend but remained hopeful the injury was not severe.

 

Preparation time is another challenge. The Bulls arrive back home on Tuesday, leaving only two training sessions before flying to Durban. Ackermann said the focus would be on assessing injuries, selecting fit players and mentally lifting the squad for a difficult away match against a Sharks side coming off a confidence-boosting win over Saracens.

 

The coach added that the coming weeks will test the squad’s depth, especially with a break followed by a tough fixture against an in-form Stormers side. For now, the priority is getting 23 fit players ready to compete.

 

The Bulls are expected to name their matchday squad on Friday ahead of the Durban derby.