Bulls might need the ‘old’ Trevor Nyakane in their time of need
The Springbok prop has finally come of age in the No 3 jersey this year but the trip to Argentina might necessitate a switch back.
Trevor Nyakane. Photo: Gallo Images.
Trevor Nyakane – the rescuer.
At least that’s what Bulls coach John Mitchell’s 26-man touring group for Saturday’s meeting with the Jaguares in Buenos Aires suggests.
The men from Loftus have been quite severely weakened in the loosehead prop position following Monday’s news that Lizo Gqoboka’s toe injury will keep him out for six months.
To add insult to injury, Pierre Schoeman is suspended until June 2.
While there were whispers that Mitchell might look to recruit a loan player – notably the Cheetahs’ Ox Nche – the New Zealander rather decided to trust his own feeder system.
As a result, Nqoba ‘Mox’ Mxoli and Matthys Basson have been selected to potentially wear the No 1 jersey in Argentina.
However, given the duo’s inexperience and the importance of the fixture in terms of the race for the playoffs, Mitchell might opt to switch Nyakane back to his “old” position.
Nyakane made his name at loosehead, becoming a Springbok in the process, before a succession of coaches began the mission of converting him to tighthead.
It’s taken a substantial amount of time but the man from Bushbuckridge has finally made his mark at No 3 this year.
Mitchell might be reluctant to make the switch then yet a man of Nyakane’s experience should be able to adapt for at least one match.
The Bulls will also be without captain and centre Burger Odendaal, who’s troubled by a rib injury again.
The exciting JT Jackson will take his place on tour.
“We are very aware of the importance of this trip. We will be facing a team playing with massive confidence and having their best run in the competition, so it will be a massive task to beat them at home. That said, we have set ourselves some targets this year and winning in Buenos Aires will take us a step closer to achieving those,” Mitchell said.
Bulls squad:
Backs: Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Johnny Kotze, Divan Rossouw, Jesse Kriel, JT Jackson, Handre Pollard (c), Manie Libbok, Embrose Papier, Ivan van Zyl, André Warner.
Forwards: Thembelani Bholi, Nick De Jager, Roelof Smit, Marco van Staden, Jason Jenkins, RG Snyman, Hendre Stassen, Trevor Nyakane, Conraad van Vuuren, Matthys Basson, Mox Mxoli, Frans van Wyk, Jaco Visagie, Edgar Marutlulle, Adriaan Strauss.
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