Pretoria - Lock Wilhelm Steenkamp and prop Dean Greyling will not be considered for the Bulls' opening match of their Super Rugby campaign against the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

Kick-off is at 19:10.

According to the Blue Bulls website, Steenkamp is suffering from an AC joint injury, while Greyling has a stress fracture to his foot, and according to Bulls team doctor, Org Strauss, will not be able to play.

Steenkamp will still be out for another two weeks, while Greyling should be able to train next Monday.

This leaves Marcel van der Merwe as the only long-term injury casualty, with the former Cheetahs prop recovering from a knee operation. He should be back in action in May.

Dawie Steyn also started training this week following his leg fracture, but will not be match fit yet.

Strauss said that a couple of players who did not train on Monday, including Ulrich Beyers, Akona Ndungane, Jacques du Plessis, Jacques Potgieter and Louis Fouchè, will all be considered for selection.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke will name his side on Tuesday, while the Stormers are expected to name their side on Monday afternoon.