JJ Harmse

Pretoria – The Bulls are used to preparing for important matches with a sword over their heads.

This time last season the Monday training session for the semi-final against the Crusaders was held without two first-choice players because Bakkies Botha and JP Nel had to face disciplinary hearings.

This time it was only Botha in formal clothes – with his team-mates sweating it out on the training field outside.

Botha will only know his fate on Tuesday after being cited for foul play and appearing before SA Rugby judicial officer Peter Ingwersen on Monday.

Given that the hearing lasted three-and-a-half hours, the verdict may place Botha’s way of playing in the spotlight again.

Outside on the training field, things were better, with the players sweating as much as those in the boardroom.

The Bulls squad are ready and following their week off, there weren’t many injury niggles.

John Mametsa and Jaco Pretorius, who missed the Cape clash due to injury, were back in training and team doctor Org Strauss was confident that they would be available for selection.

With Gerhard van den Heever set to miss the clash due to suspension, the spotlight is on the right wing position.

Coach Frans Ludeke has the luxury of playing Pretorius with fellow Springbok Wynand Olivier in the midfield, which would leave Mametsa to compete with Deon Helberg, Stephan Dippenaar and Jaco van der Westhuyzen for the No 14 jersey.

Dippenaar is also a possibility at outside centre as Jacques-Louis Potgieter, who wore the No 13 jersey against the Crusaders, will probably play back up flyhalf to Morné Steyn from the bench.

Strauss confirmed the wisdom of resting the players.

“There are a few guys who played in Cape Town that are struggling with injuries, but the rest are ready. Jaco and John are available", he said.

Judging by the team that trained on Monday, we can expect to see 14 changes to the starting line-up from Cape Town, with Dippenaar and Van der Westhuyzen the most likely to play for the second week in a row.

The Bulls will train at the Orlando Stadium for the first and only time this week on Tuesday.