Arno Botha (File)

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Pretoria - Blue Bulls flanker Arno Botha is set to make a welcome return to the team ahead of their crucial Currie Cup match against Griquas in Kimberley on Saturday.

According to the supersport.com website, Botha has recovered from his hamstring injury and will train this week, and is almost certain to be included in the side after two straight losses.

The former SA under-20 captain was one of the stars of the Bulls' early Currie Cup success and formed part of the loose trio that looked in sync before injury robbed him of playing time.

There was also further good news when team doctor Org Strauss revealed that winger Akona Ndungane’s rib injury isn’t as bad as expected and was more bruising than breakage.

Ndungane spent the weekend icing his ribs to bring the swelling down and it worked so well that while he didn’t train on Monday, the Bulls winger is expected to be back on the field ahead of the Griquas clash.

Bok winger Bjorn Basson is expected to continue his rehab this week and will rejoin the team next week for contact training, and is expected to be back on the field within in a week, meaning he is likely to rejoin the Boks on their return from Australasia.