Flip ruled out for Bulls

Flip van der Merwe has been ruled out of a possible return to the Blue Bulls team ahead of their Currie Cup match against the Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

The Springbok lock, who missed last Saturday's Test match through suspension, has a knee injury and will be out of action for at least a week, team doctor Org Strauss confirmed.

Another Springbok, JJ Engelbrecht, has bruised ribs, but should be back on the field Tuesday.

Francois Venter (shoulder) will train Wednesday whilst Mornè Mellett (neck, four weeks) and Callie Visagie (ankle, seven weeks) have been confirmed as non-starters for the rest of the Currie Cup campaign.