Bulls suffer Moodie blow ahead of URC quarters

Bulls’ utility-back, Canan Moodie, has been ruled out of Saturday’s United Rugby Championship quarter-final against Italian side Benetton at Loftus Versfeld.

Moodie took to social media to reveal the news. It is not known what injury the World Cup winner is suffering from, but he has been playing with heavy strapping on his right leg in recent weeks.

‼️A messege from Canan Moodie‼️

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*Eastern Stand Lower pic.twitter.com/2WesGKyyK8

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) June 5, 2024

Moodie addressed the media earlier this week and said that the Bulls would need to make a fast start against Bentton if they wanted to get the better of them. The winner will advance to the semi-finals and a match-up with either Leinster or Ulster who also play on Saturday.

Benetton will know what to expect from their hosts having been on the highveld just a few weeks ago, pushing the Bulls in several areas of the game but ultimately losing 56-35 in a round robin game.

“For any team, you want to start well, especially if you are playing at altitude. You want to lift your tempo and you want teams to match your tempo,” said Moodie.

“They would’ve learned from the last game a few weeks ago how they can slow the game down and make things a bit more controllable for them and where they can thrive.”

The Bulls will be the favourites in the encounter following that round-robin win but Moodie believes that playoff rugby levels the playing field a bit and that they will have to be at their best against the Italian challengers.

“For me, at this stage of the season is where the best players come out and play their best rugby when it counts most. Not neglecting the other games but playoffs is where things get a little tighter and the margins get smaller,” explained Moodie.

“So hopefully I keep playing the best rugby I can and continue that form to contribute to the team and go all the way.”