Pretoria - The Bulls hope that new evidence will help JP Nel’s appeal against his suspension that has ruled him out of their Super 14 semi-final against the Crusaders.
If his appeal, which will be heard on Wednesday night, is successful, Nel will be able to join his team-mates for the crunch match on Saturday.
Nel has been suspended until June 13, after a dangerous tackle on Sharks fullback Stefan Terblanche. The Bulls' other centre Wynand Olivier is likely to be fit for the encounter at Loftus.
Nel’s appeal will be heard by the three legal heads of SANZAR via a teleconference and there is speculation that Nel's ban could be overturned on a technicality.
Bulls captain Victor Matfield said at a press conference that the team’s focus is on the task ahead and the team as a unit and not individuals.
“We used a group of roundabout 24 players this season. It doesn’t revolve around one or two players. We would want JP to be available to play, but if he doesn’t play we will still give everything to make sure we reach the final next week at home.”