Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier undergoes for ankle surgery

Ackermann confirmed the news at Thursdayâ™s team announcement ahead of Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster at Loftus Versfeld.

Papier, the reigning SA URC Player of the Year, was hurt after coming off the bench in the Bulls' emphatic 56-20 Champions Cup win over Stade Francais in Pretoria last Saturday. He is set for at least three weeks on the sidelines.

The 29-year-old's absence leaves Paul de Wet and Zak Burger as the scrumhalf options in the match 23. De Wet keeps the No. 9 jersey and again partners flyhalf Handre Pollard.

Ackermann has made wholesale changes to the forward pack for Saturday, but has kept his starting backline unchanged. 

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