Rassie Erasmus faces injury concerns over Handre Pollard and Andre Esterhuizen ahead of next month's Nations Championship Tests against Italy, France and Ireland.
Pollard was withdrawn during the Bulls' 34-26 URC win over Ulster on Saturday with a hamstring injury and is awaiting scans. The 33-year-old, who missed the second Test against the All Blacks in August before returning to feature three times for the Boks in 2026 — including one start — is already a doubt for the Bulls' next URC outing against the Scarlets.
Esterhuizen's situation looks more immediate. The Sharks midfielder, who has been used by Erasmus as a utility flanker/centre across the current Test calendar, lasted just 52 seconds of the Sharks' win over Cardiff on Friday before leaving the field with an ankle injury. He was subsequently spotted in a moonboot and has been sent back to South Africa for further assessment. He had featured in seven Tests for the Boks in 2026 prior to the setback.
South Africa, yet to name their extended training squad, head into the Nations Championship on top of the Southern Hemisphere pool after three consecutive wins in July.
On a more positive note, Bulls back Canan Moodie has cleared a head injury and is expected to be available for selection for the November Tests, with the franchise confirming he is in the mix for their fixture this weekend.