Rugby
Nick Said, Special to ESPN 7y

Pollard steps up recovery from injury

Rugby

Handre Pollard's slow recovery from an ankle injury continues, though he will take part in light training at the Bulls this week.

Pollard is hoping to be fit for the Rugby Championship, where he could be a valuable asset to Springbok coach Allister Coetzee, who is light on flyhalf options for the Southern Hemisphere competition.

Injuries to Pollard and Pat Lambie of the Sharks meant Elton Jantjies was the only fit specialist flyhalf in the squad for the 3-0 Test series sweep against France last month.

But an injury to the Lions pivot would present something of a crisis for Coetzee with the Boks to open the Championship against Argentina on August 19.

The Bulls are already out of contention in upper Rugby this season, but did have a morale-boosting 30-17 victory at the Sharks on Saturday.

It was a comprehensive and deserved win, but also came at a cost in terms of injuries.

Loose-forward Renaldo Bothma fractured his forearm and will be out of action for six weeks, while Tony Jantjies, younger brother of Elton and also a flyhalf, injured his rib and will be assessed later in the week.

He has, however, been ruled out of Saturday's clash against the Southern Kings at Loftus Versfeld.

Travis Ismaiel is back in training, while fellow flyer Jamba Ulengo will also only partake in selected training sessions.

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