Jan Serfontein is set to miss the Bulls' Super Rugby opener against the Stormers at Newlands this Saturday due to a back strain.

Serfontein was in outstanding form for the Bulls last season, but missed the second half of the year after sustaining a serious wrist injury, from which he has only recently recovered.

However, according to Netwerk24, the Bulls have confirmed he will not be considered for selection this week as the result of a sore back.

In his absence, Burger Odendaal and Dries Swanepoel are set to line up in the Bulls' midfield at Newlands, with newcomer Johnny Kotze likely to be on the bench.

Meanwhile, young prop Conraad van Vuuren has undergone an ankle operation and will be out of action for around six weeks, while Roelof Smit, who tore a chest muscle on the Boks' year-end tour, will only be considered at the end of April.

Captain Adriaan Strauss (back surgery), Rick Kirsten (shoulder) and Arno Botha (shoulder and upper arm muscle) are likely to return to training within the next few weeks.

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