On the weekend, the Bulls beat Stade Français 48-7 at Loftus Versfeld in the Champions Cup, snapping their four-match losing streak. However, the victory came at a heavy cost, as Johan Goosen was ruled out due to a knee injury.

Le Roux could be considered to slot in at flyhalf for the game, and coach Jake White confirmed that the former Cheetah, Goosen, has suffered another knee injury, and they are awaiting the scan results to determine the extent.

“I just asked the doctor. He said it’s one of those injuries that’s difficult to assess at the moment because it’s swollen,” White explained.

“He’ll go for a scan to see, but you know, his knees are like crystal. He’s had lots and lots of knee injuries.

“I’m hoping it’s something minor, like a meniscus or cartilage issue, rather than a ligament tear. But I can’t speculate until we get the scan results.”

While Goosen’s injury is a blow for the Bulls, the team does have other options, including Boeta Chamberlain and Jaco van der Walt. White also hinted that veteran backline player Le Roux could come into contention to act as the backline marshal.

Willie le Roux. Photo: Morgan Piek

“It reminds me of when Jean de Villiers tore his bicep muscle in the 2007 World Cup, and we had to play Frans Steyn. We all know how that turned out,” White added.

“Sometimes opportunities arise for other players, and they take those chances. I’m hopeful for the best, but Goosen will definitely be out for a couple of weeks – there’s no doubt about that.

“This creates an opportunity for someone else. Whether we play Willie at 10, Jaco at 10, or Boeta at 10 – or even Keegan Johannes, who has also played at 10 – it depends on the combination we want to go with.”

Saturday’s Jukskei derby at Ellis Park kicks off at 14:45, while Leinster takes on the Stormers, and Cardiff hosts the Sharks.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport cg