THE Bulls will start their Super Rugby season without loose forward Lappies Labuschagne as he has been ruled out of action for up to eight weeks.
Labuschagne sustained an ankle injury after meeting with team doctor Dr Herman Rossouw and a specialist it has been confirmed that he has to undergo surgery.
“After weighing up all the facts and opinions of various specialists, we came to this decision that Lappies will be operated on Monday,” Dr Rossouw said.
He also confirmed that prop Lizo Gqoboka had to be withdrawn from the Bulls team to play the Lions this weekend due to a groin injury and that he will not be traveling with the team to Polokwane this weekend.
“Lizo had some discomfort and we decided that it will be best to withdraw him from the weekend’s match.”
He will be fit for selection when the Super Rugby kicks off later this month, Dr Rossouw confirmed.
Meanwhile the Sharks earned their second victory in a week by beating French club Toulouse 17-31 at Stade Ernest Wallon in a Super Rugby warm up.
The victory comes less than a week after the Sharks beat European Rugby champions Toulon 21-29 last Friday.
The Sharks led 18-10 at half-time after they outscored the hosts 2-1 in tries
In the second half, the Marcell Coetzee-led Sharks added another try but also conceded one to run out eventual 31-17 winners.
Fijian flyer Timoci Matanavou started for Toulouse while Vodafone Fiji 7s star Semi Kunatani was on the bench
