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Du Preez on comeback trail

Monday 07th July 2008

Long awaited return: Fourie du Preez has recovered from a hand injury

Springbok scrum-half Fourie du Preez is expected to return to the playing field for the Blue Bulls on Saturday when they host defending Currie Cup champions the Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld.

Du Preez injured his hand during the Super 14, but coach Frans Ludeke is optimistic that Du Preez will recover in time for the clash against the Cheetahs.

"Fourie is part of our planning for Saturday's game, but he first needs to get through the week's training," said Ludeke.

"If he doesn't experience any pain he will definitely be part of the 22. His experience will be of utmost importance to us and it is just great to have a leader and a player of his calibre back in the mix."

Du Preez's half-back partner for many years, Derick Hougaard, injured his shoulder against the Sharks last Saturday and is a doubtful starter for the Cheetahs match.

Ludeke said that Hougaard will go for a scan on Monday to assess the extent of the injury.

The loosehead prop Jaco Engels picked up a niggle in his calf muscle, but the Bulls' camp is otherwise injury-free.

Ludeke was very happy with his team's performance against the Sharks as the Bulls moved to the top of the Currie Cup table.

"I was very pleased with the fact that we could score four tries and I think our discipline was outstanding throughout the match," said Ludeke.

"We did not unnecessarily give away possession to the Sharks and we made a huge step-up in our line-out play."