The Bulls ran in a commanding 57-15 win over the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, but Johan Ackermann's camp is monitoring Canan Moodie after the winger was forced off in the second half for a head injury assessment.
Moodie had been one of the more influential figures on the park before his departure — scoring a try, winning aerial duels and making several line breaks on his return to the Bulls setup. Cheswill Jooste came on as replacement and also crossed for a try.
Ackermann was cautiously optimistic after the match. "It looks like he is okay," the coach said. "At this stage, he unfortunately has to follow protocol regarding the HIA and see if he's back. That process starts on Monday, so hopefully he's got no symptoms and he can be available."
Moodie was one of 10 Springboks in Ackermann's matchday squad. Beyond the HIA concern, the Bulls came through the Lions fixture without further injury.
Ackermann also updated on the players who missed Saturday's match after picking up knocks against Munster the previous week. Stravino Jacobs has recovered from his injury but was ruled out after falling ill on Friday. Marcell Coetzee's knee is being reassessed on Monday — his rehabilitation had been progressing well, though illness on Saturday would have kept him out regardless. Embrose Papier is expected back next week, while Akker van der Merwe remains sidelined. Reinhardt Ludwig also succumbed to illness ahead of the match.
With a number of players set to return ahead of the Champions Cup, Ackermann acknowledged the selection headache that brings. "It's tough on selection at the moment because apart from one or two guys we've got a full squad. It doesn't make it easy, but I'd rather be in that position than the other way around."