Strauss, Pollard cleared for opener

Springboks Adriaan Strauss and Handré Pollard will be fit for the Bulls' opening Vodacom Super Rugby match against the Stormers on 14 February.

Strauss (calf) and Pollard (foot) have yet to train for the Bulls during pre-season as both look to shake off injuries suffered during the Boks' end-of-year tour.

However, Bulls doctor Org Strauss confirmed on Monday that both are on schedule to feature in the opener at Loftus Versfeld, although Strauss's return date of 9 February is less than a week before the big kick-off.

Should he fail to recover in time, Callie Visagie or Bandise Maku will be expected to fill the void, with the recently departed Bongi Mbonambi set to turn out for the opposition after a move during the off-season.

On a positive note, prop Morné Mellett has been cleared of a rib contusion and will be considered for the Bulls' season-opening friendly against the Cheetahs in Polokwane on Saturday.

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Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images