Walking wounded: Johan Ackermann explains injury-hit Bulls

Junior Springbok superstar Cheswill Jooste, captain Marcell Coetzee, World Cup winner Kurt-Lee Arendse and stalwart David Kriel are all absent from the Bulls squad this week for good reason.

Speaking to the press after announcing his team to face Bentton, Ackermann revealed the extent of Jooste's hamstring injury, which is testing the Bulls' depth at wing.

"He is injured for four weeks, and this is week one, so he might return for the final if we make it," he said.

"He is a guy who recovers really well, and that is great because he might come back for the semifinal. I have a really good relationship with [Junior Bok head coach] Kevin Foote. I had the privilege of working with them last year.

"However, we are currently in a crisis at wing. He returned and picked up a slight ankle injury, then returned for Scarlets, and now he has picked up a hamstring injury again against Zebre.

"With the situation that we are currently in with David Kriel and Sebastian de Klerk, we will have to ask nicely for him to remain at the Bulls for the playoffs."

As for Coetzee and Arendse, their situation is only temporary.

"Unfortunately, Marcell and Kurt-Lee have got a bit of flu and couldn't recover in time," he added.

"They're still under the weather, so that is why we had to switch it up."

Last but certainly not least is Kriel, who suffered a serious Achilles injury in April and is out for at least two months. Surgery and subsequent recovery mean the Bulls have seen the last of Kriel for now, as he is set to head for pastures new in France with La Rochelle next season.

"David is unfortunately finished for the season," Ackermann confirmed.

"It was quite a serious Achilles injury. He had surgery on Wednesday, and he's on the road to recovery now. However, he's out for a couple of months."

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