Spies misses out for Bulls

Bulls loose forwards Pierre Spies will not be part of the Super 14 champion's touring team when they leave for Australasia on Saturday.

Springbok ace fails to overcome injury in time for Australasia tour

Bulls loose forwards Pierre Spies will not be part of the Super 14 champion's touring team when they leave for Australasia on Saturday, but he might join them on a later stage. The Bulls' team doctor Tommie Smook is very happy with Spies' recovery and he is optimistic that the Springbok loose forward will link up with them in about three weeks' time. "Pierre ended his medication [for the pulmonary embolism that ruled him out of the World Cup] at the end of last week and as soon as his blood is ready to take contact, he will join us," said Smook. "I believe he might fly over after our second game." Before they leave, the Bulls will host the Lions in the Gauteng derby on Friday. The touring party is made of the matchday 22 for the Lions game, plus four additional players, Hilton Lobberts, Francois Hougaard, Danwel Demas and JP Nel. Jaco Engels was not considered because of his three-match suspension, but the tour party includes the two youngsters, Stephan Dippenaar and Dean Greyling. The Bulls kick-off their four-match tour when they play the Reds in Brisbane on March 15. They then proceed to face the Chiefs in Rotorua, Blues in Auckland and Western Force in Perth. Bulls - Backs: Zane Kirchner, Bryan Habana, Akona Ndungane, Danwel Demas, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Stephan Dippenaar, Derick Hougaard, Morné Steyn, Fourie du Preez (c), Heini Adams, Francois Hougaard.
Forwards: Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden, Danie Rossouw, Hilton Lobberts, Deon Stegmann, Dewald Potgieter, Bakkies Botha, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Rayno Gerber, Gurthro Steenkamp, Werner Kruger, Dean Greyling, Derick Kuün, James van der Walt.