Johannesburg – Wynand Olivier, Francois Hougaard and Akona Ndungane will return home early from the Bulls' tour of Australasia after picking up injuries in the Pretoria side's defeat to the Crusaders on Saturday.
Olivier, unavailable for four weeks with a knee injury, Hougaard, sidelined for two weeks with an ankle injury, and Ndungane, out for four weeks with a cheekbone injury, would be replaced on tour by Francois Venter, Ruan Snyman and fit-again Bjorn Basson, the Bulls said in a statement on Sunday.
Flip van der Merwe was doubtful for their next clash against the Reds in Brisbane, while Grant Hattingh took a knock against the head and would not train early in the week.
Lionel Mapoe and Dewald Potgieter would be fit for selection.
“Apart from the touring squad, the recovery of Dean Greyling and Marcel van der Merwe is on track,” the Bulls said.
“Van der Merwe will be ready to return to the playing field in May and Greyling could be back in three weeks.” – Sapa