Utility back Canan Moodie is set to make his return from injury when the Bulls face Zebre in the URC in Pretoria.
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Bulls utility star Canan Moodie came through team training on Tuesday unscathed following his recent injury lay-off, and could come into contention to face Zebre Parma in the United Rugby Championship (URC) this weekend at Loftus Versfeld.
According to Bulls assistant coach Neil de Bruin, Moodie is in a good space, and they will monitor him this week before deciding on his availability for Saturday’s crucial clash in Pretoria. Moodie missed the final URC tour game against the Scarlets due to an injury picked up against the Dragons.
Currently in seventh place on the log, the Bulls will look to get a maximum of 10 points from their final clashes.
“He is a key player for us, and without giving too much away, came through training well. He is looking in a good space," De Bruin said about the Springbok.
“A decision on him will be made closer to the weekend, but if everyone is available and raring to go, then we have to decide on the composition of the backline. But it is different week to week according to player availability.
“Canan is such a versatile player for us, and you try to fit in the right puzzle piece that you need for a game and get those combinations ready. He is a world-class centre and also one of the best wingers in the world.
“So, if we play him in either position, I reckon we can play him at 9 or 10 as well, and he will be quality. For him, it is about getting fit first and then fitting into the side where the team needs him. He has been good at that. He has been open to shifting around and changing to what the team requires.
“That speaks volumes about his character."
Looking ahead to the challenge of Zebre, De Bruin insists there will be no underestimating the Italian side, even if they are rooted at the bottom. The Bulls are back home after a demanding tour and a week’s break, as they chase the 10 points needed to secure a play-off spot.
If results elsewhere fall in their favour, the Pretoria outfit could still secure a home quarter-final at Loftus.
De Bruin added that there is a strong energy within the camp.
“I can assure you there will be no complacency. With where we are on the log and how open the play-off race is, there simply can’t be. Everyone understands the importance of the next two weekends. If you’re not doing the right things on the field, you could miss out entirely (on the quarters).
“We know there are expectations — that comes with the territory. It’s actually a privilege to have those expectations, because if we were near the bottom, there wouldn’t be any. We do feel the pressure, but it’s not something we dwell on.
“The team wants to do well, especially considering how close they’ve come in the past, even before many of us arrived. Those expectations are there, but we’re embracing them.”