12/05/2008 14:46

Pretoria - Bulls team doctor Tommie Smook is still concerned about the abscess on Derick Hougaard gluteus muscle which means that the Loftus' "Liefling" might miss their final Super 14 game of the season against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein.

According to the Bulls' website, Hougaard developed an abscess that turned septic after the Waratahs' game and at this stage it doesn't look as if he will be able to play.

Smook is also worried about the flank Wikus van Heerden who received a blow to the knee, but he is optimistic that JP Nel, Deon Stegmann, Zane Kirchner and Bakkies Botha will be fit for the match.

Nel (a cold) and Stegmann (blow on his bicep muscle) weren't able to train with the squad on Monday. Botha is receiving treatment for a lower back injury, but Smook believes the big Springbok lock will recover in time for Saturday's match.

If Hougaard can't play, Morne Steyn will start in the No 10 jersey while Pedrie Wannenburg is a more than capable replacement for Van Heerden, if the latter doesn't recover in time.