Mellett boost for Bulls

Pretoria - Prop Morne 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 (17:00 kick-off).

Mellett's return will be good news to coach Frans Ludeke, as the Bulls have a number of front rankers out of action.

Basil Short (pectoral muscle) will only train the first week of February and Hencus van Wyk (foot injury) at the end of next month. Pierre Schoeman, who tore cruciate ligaments in pre-season, will miss the whole of the Super Rugby season.

The only other long-term injury is that of lock Flip van der Merwe (pectoral, middle April), but all of Adriaan Strauss (calf, February 9), Jason Jenkins (quad, January 26) and Handre Pollard (foot, January 26) will be fit for the opening match against the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld on February 14.