Boost as Bulls head into break

The South African conference leaders, the Bulls, will head into their second bye week boosted by the news that several players are returning from injury.

Zane Kirchner, Callie Visagie, Jan Serfontein and Marcel van der Merwe should all be available for selection when the Bulls take on the Highlanders at Loftus Versfeld in a fortnight.

Kirchner has another week of recovery left from his finger injury.

Visagie's ankle has been cleared and Serfontein's lower leg contusion cleared up.

Van der Merwe, who was recruited from the Cheetahs in the off-season, is back at full training following his knee operation and subsequent recovery phase.

Paul Willemse (11 weeks, knee), Cornell Hess (six months, knee) and Frans Venter (groin, five weeks) are the remaining long-term casualties.

Jean Cook (AC joint, one week) and Wiaan Liebenberg (shoulder, sonar on Monday) were injured in the Blue Bulls clash against the EP Kings.