Fourie, Nel out for Reds?

Fourie du Preez’s Man of the Match effort against the Blues took it’s toll as the scrumhalf experienced a right shoulder ligament injury. JP Nel suffered a quad and muscle injury on his right leg.

It’s potentially a huge blow for the aspirations of the Bulls as they seek to bury the Reds next week and secure a home semi-final.

Neither player is definitely out but it’s not looking too good for either at this stage.

The Bulls will definitely not risk either player if there is a remote chance of causing further injury.

If forced to pull out, they will likely be replaced by Dries Scholtz and Heinie Adams.

Loftus experienced an enormous 48 000 crowd attendance last night, a figure that should be matched or exceeded when they face the Queensland Reds.

A home semi-final would be a sell-out affair and provide a welcome, and unbudgeted, boost to the Bulls coffers for next year.

Their first priority will be to seal a semi-final berth however if they get on top of the Reds they will go all out to ensure the bonus point for four tries scored and improve their points differential.

A victory is non-negotiable as the Brumbies revitalised their hopes today with their unexpected win over the table topping Crusaders, putting them within striking distance of the Bulls should they slip up at the last hurdle.

A bonus point victory will ensure the Bulls reach the play-off’s.

Their destiny is in their own hands now.