Bulls' last-gasp win over Leinster could have come at a high cost

An 84th-minute penalty from David Kriel sent Loftus Versveld into raptures as the Bulls handed Iriah giants Leinster their first defeat of the season on Saturday. However, White revealed the watershed win has come at a cost, with injury and suspension clouds hanging over several players.

Superstar Cameron Hanekom is chief among them. The bullocking No.8 has been a revelation for the Pretoria franchise the last two seasons, but limped off the field early in the second half. It was Hanekom's first outing since February.

"He fell badly and twisted his lower back," said White of his star eighthman.

"It was just a fall and a spasm in his lower back. And when you are a racehorse like he is - because they are so athletic - they feel it more than other players.

"I don't think it is serious. He is walking around now."

In addition, fellow Springbok Johan Grobbelaar is struggling with his shoulder, an integral joint in his lineout throwing and scrummaging. Finally, the red-carded Sebastian de Klerk is likely to face further suspension following his reckless clash with Leinster's Andrew Osbourne while the winger was in the air.

"It has come at a cost because you can imagine, a red card and he will be out next week," continued White.

"Grobbies' [Johan Grobbelaar's] shoulder is sore.

"One of the things that is so tough about this competition, is every week we lose between two and three players.

"You either get a suspension or an HIA (Head Injury Assessment) or a long-term injury."

The Bulls host Italian outfit Zebra Parma on Saturday. 

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