Cape Town - Springbok and Bulls wing Bjorn Basson will return to South Africa on Wednesday following a successful operation in Christchurch.

Basson injured his intestines during the Bulls' 28-13 Super Rugby playoff loss to the Crusaders on 21 July and was kept in hospital there after undergoing an operation to repair the damage.

“Bjorn has recovered well and is on his way back,” Bulls team doctor, Org Strauss, told the Bulls website.

Basson is expected to be out for between six and eight weeks.

Strauss also confirmed that flyhalf Lionel Cronjé is fit again following successful rehabilitation of his pectoral muscle. He will be available for the Blue Bulls in the upcoming Currie Cup, which starts on 10 August.

Johann Sadie (ankle), Jean Cooke (knee), Chiliboy Ralepelle (knee) and Dewald Potgieter (shoulder) are all recovering from their respective injuries and could still be out of action for at least two weeks and hence miss their opening Currie Cup clash against Griquas.

Basson and lock Fudge Mabeta (8-12 weeks, knee) are the only long term casualties.