Bulls duo on their way home

The touring Bulls management have sent tighthead prop Ruan Vermeulen and hooker James van der Walt home.

But far from it being for disciplinary reasons, the duo will come back to ensure they get some much-needed game time with the Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup side this weekend and in the process, will do coach Heyneke Meyer a favour.

Van der Walt has not played any competitive rugby in nine weeks, and should the Bulls have a serious injury, this could count against him. Meyer seems prepared to gamble on the fitness of Gary Botha and Derick Kuun at hooker. With only one week left on tour after this weekend, the gamble may not be that great.

Vermeulen's return stems from the arrival of Rayno Gerber to fill the tighthead position. Gerber jetted in yesterday to join his teammates.

Van der Walt's return also opens up an extra place in the 26-man squad for Pierre Spies to join the team this weekend.

The firebrand flank has been out injured since last year but is fast returning to full fitness.