Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has revealed a significant injury setback for Embrose Papier ahead of Saturday’s URC clash against Ulster at Loftus.
The Springbok scrumhalf suffered an ankle injury after coming off the bench in the Bulls’ 56-20 Investec Champions Cup win against Stade Français in Pretoria last Saturday.
Speaking at Thursday’s team announcement, Ackermann said the 29-year-old had undergone an operation and would be unavailable for several weeks.
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Papier’s absence leaves Paul de Wet and Zak Burger as the scrumhalf options in the Bulls’ match 23 for Saturday.
De Wet retains the No 9 jersey alongside flyhalf Handré Pollard, with Ackermann opting to keep his starting backline unchanged despite making wholesale changes to the forward pack.
“We’ve already changed the front row, the locks and the back row, so we felt we should keep the backs similar. We just felt we needed that continuity,” the coach explained.
Meanwhile, new signing Dylan Maart has been named on the bench and could make his Bulls debut against Ulster.
Ackermann said the winger had settled in well since joining the Pretoria-based club and had earned his opportunity.
Photo: Alche Greeff/Gallo Images
The post Papier blow for Bulls appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has revealed a significant injury setback for Embrose Papier ahead of Saturday’s URC clash against Ulster at Loftus.
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