Already crippled by Springbok call-ups, the Blue Bulls had a major scare on Monday when wunderkind Derick Hougaard's availability for Saturday's Currie Cup opener against Western Province was thrown into doubt.
The South Africa under-21 flyhalf went down with bronchitis and will not know before Tuesday if he may play in the match at Loftus.
If fit, Hougaard is a certainty to start the traditional north-south derby after virtually on his own winning the trophy for the Bulls last season.
Also on the Bulls' list of doubtful starters is lock-cum-flank Danie Rossouw, one of their stars on the recent tour of Argentina.
He has gone down with food poisoning and has been put on a drip by the medical staff to try to speed up his recovery.
Coach Heyneke Meyer did receive some good news on Monday as he was able to welcome back tighthead prop Tjaart Coetzee, who had recovered from injury, but he was most concerned over the fate of his match-winning flyhalf.
"We have had tests done to determine how serious his condition is, but he will definitely not train for a day or two," said Meyer.
The news about Rossouw is much better, according to the medical staff. "I am sure he will be ready again by (tomorrow). We will monitor his progress, though," said team doctor Tommy Smook.
The Bulls went on a bit of a buying spree during the off-season, capitalising on the desire of players to experience Currie Cup A Section rugby.
While the immediate concern was about who will and who won't be available for Saturday's match, five recruits joined the Bulls at training.
They were Boland tighthead prop Andries Human, Leopards hooker Deon Strydom, Griffons fullback Louis Strydom, Lions scrumhalf Gideon Roux and Cobus Caldo, a front-ranker who recently returned from playing club rugby in Australia.
South Africa A captain Piet Krause could be another acquisition. He is currently considering the Bulls' offer and is expected to make a decision on Tuesday.
"We are still negotiating with him," said chief executive Stefan Pretorius.
He added: "Human, Caldo and Louis Strydom have all joined us on a permanent basis, while Roux and Deon Strydom are on loan from their unions."
Luring Krause to Loftus would be a major boost for the Bulls, as they have lost Pedrie Wannenburg to the Boks. Krause would allow Meyer to play two fetchers, as he can join Johan Wasserman in the loose trio.
None of the recruits will be available for selection against WP.