Bulls face scrumhalf crisis

The Bulls could be without the services of both their Springbok scrumhalves at Loftus Versfeld.

Rudy Paige suffered a concussion in the Rugby Championship Test against Australia at Loftus just over a fortnight ago and missed last week's massacre – a record 15-57 loss to the All Blacks in Durban.

Piet van Zyl, who was called up to the Boks for last week's Test in Durban in the wake of Paige's injury, was concussed during training in the week.

Bulls team doctor Herman Rossouw did not elaborate on how Van Zyl's concussion occurred and the Bok management did not even reveal that Van Zyl suffered a concussion at training.

This will no doubt lead to unfounded speculation and comical suggestions that he was mistaken for a tackle bag or that a Bok teammate missed the tackle bag.

"They are making 'steady' progress," Rossouw said about the injured scrumhalves, adding: "But the final call [on their availability for the semifinal] will only be made on Wednesday."

The good news is that loose forward Arno Botha has recovered from his shoulder injury and started training with the team last week.

He should be available for selection for the semifinal.

The only player is not available this week, according to the doctor.

Flank Ruan Steenkamp has not yet recovered from his groin injury and won't be considered for selection.