Bulls boosted for trans-Jukskei derby

Not only did they escape any serious injuries in their 17-13 win over the Stormers last Saturday, but they will have four players returning from injury for this coming Saturday's showdown with their Gauteng neighbours at :Loftus Versfeld.

Flyhalf François Brummer missed training on Monday as a result of a knock to his shoulder suffered in the win over the Stormers, while midfielder Jan Serfontein took a blow to his hand and also sat on the sidelines.

Bulls doctor Herman Rossouw said both went for scans, but their absence from training was not a major issue - just a "precautionary measure".

Meanwhile fullback Warrick Gelant (fractured jaw), centre Burger Odendaal (quad injury), flank Nick de Jager and wing Bjorn Basson (calf strain) are all available for selection this week - after recovering from their respective injuries.

It will certainly make for an interesting selection meeting this week - both in the midfield and at fullback.

Gelant's return and Sarel Marais' impressive form - since he was signed from the Eastern Province Kings earlier this year - means the Bulls have plenty off attacking options.

Odendaal and Serfontein each bring their own skills to the midfield, but against the Lions' expansive game and dangerous backs defence will be the key.

There are other selection 'headaches', especially among the loose forwards - where flank Roelof Smit and new acquisition Renaldo Bothma have been impressive with the Blue Bulls Currie Cup team.

Add to that De Jager's return from injury and the coach have some interesting posers.