Bulls coach shows his hand
The Bulls squad played an internal trial last Saturday and the New Zealander, Mitchell, showed his hand when his likely starting XV played in Blue and put 80 points past the team in yellow.
The Bulls start their campaign when they host the Hurricanes at Loftus Versfeld this coming Saturday.
There are likely to be no major surprises in the starting XV – to be captained by centre Burger Odendaal.
The only new face will be scrumhalf Andre Warner – who looks set to make his Super Rugby debut for the Bulls, having moved from Cape Town to Pretoria back in 2013.
* Meanwhile wing Jamba Ulengo consulted a Swedish specialist and underwent minor knee surgery.
According to Bulls team doctor Herman Rossouw, Ulengo will be sidelined for about eight weeks.
The Bulls decided to seek overseas help when the tendon injury – suffered in August last year – didn't heal and there were fears that it would be career-ending for the big wing.
South African A lock Jason Jenkins won't be available for this weekend's Super Rugby game against the Hurricanes – the result of an AC Joint injury.
Jenkins should finish his recovery by the end of the week and will be available next week.
The same goes for fellow lock Aston Fortuin, who also has an AC joint injury and will be back next week.
Franco Naude has undergone shoulder surgery and will be out for four months, while Jannes Kirsten started this weekend in the internal trial game but will be available for selection next weekend.
Finally, Springbok Sevens star Tim Agaba is struggling with a hamstring strain and will be back in line for selection next week.
Bulls – possible: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Jessie Kriel, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Johnny Kotze, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Jano Venter, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Roelof Smit, 5 Lodewyk de Jager, 4 Rudolph Snyman, 3 Frans van Wyk, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Replacements: TBC
Date: Saturday, February 24
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT; 04.15 Sunday, February 25 NZ time)
Referee: TBC
