Basson in line for Bulls return

Springbok wing Bjorn Basson could be back in the Blue Bulls team this week as they look to push for a place in the Currie Cup play-offs.

While the men from Pretoria lost the services of scrumhalf Jano Vermaak and loose forward Jacques Potgieter to the Springboks, the return of Basson will provide the Bulls with a timely boost.

Team doctor Org Strauss confirmed that Basson started training with the team on Monday and could be considered for selection.

"We will see how he comes through training and make a call [on his availability for Friday's encounter with the Sharks] on Tuesday," Strauss told this website.

Basson has been sidelined since he underwent surgery in New Zealand in July, after he sustained a tear to his intestines during the team's Super Rugby encounter with Crusaders.

Basson was forced off the field during the first half of the semifinal encounter and underwent surgery the next day. He remain in hospital for five days and only returned to South Africa the next week.

The only injury concern for the Bulls, following their 34-30 win over the Free State Cheetahs at the weekend, is flyhalf Louis Fouché.

"He [Fouché] injured the AC joint in his right shoulder," Strauss told this website, adding: "We will give him till Thursday before making a call, but it looks like he should recover."

Lionel Cronjé is likely to start against the Sharks in Durban on Friday if Fouché fails his fitness test.

By Jan de Koning