Bulls’ Director of Rugby, Jake White, made a strategic decision to take off flanker Marco van Staden early in the recent United Rugby Championship (URC) top-of-the-table clash against Leinster. Van Staden injured his knee during the game and was replaced by Mpilo Gumede in the 21st minute.
White explained that Van Staden had suffered a medial collateral ligament (MCL) tear, an injury that typically takes around eight weeks to heal. Despite the injury not being as severe as other ligament injuries, White wanted to prioritize Van Staden’s long-term well-being and the team’s success.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Springbok Handre Pollard Set To Land R20 Million Deal
“I didn’t want him to further damage his knee because I need him for the rest of the season,” White emphasized.
He acknowledged Van Staden’s importance to both the Bulls and the Springboks, explaining, “He’s very important for us and very important for the Springboks going forward as well.”
Van Staden, known as “Eskom,” has been in excellent form recently, excelling as a fetcher and a ball-carrying threat. Unfortunately, this injury will interrupt his momentum as the starting openside for the Bulls.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE: Jansen Shines As Proteas Secure Remarkable Comeback Victory Against Australia
With the Bulls currently placed third on the URC table and progressing in the Champions Cup, White is hopeful that Van Staden will recover in time for the crucial matches ahead. The team has five more rounds in the URC round-robin stages and a potential three knockout games to secure victory.
White’s decision to prioritize Van Staden’s recovery demonstrates his commitment to the player’s long-term success and the team’s aspirations for the season.
