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DURBAN - Star halfback Fourie du Preez remains in doubt for the Bulls, despite being named to start against the Crusaders in Sunday morning's (NZ time) Super 14 rugby semifinal at Pretoria.
Du Preez is undergoing intensive treatment on a shoulder ligament tear but may well be omitted on game day.
Coach Heyneke Meyer has bracketed the Springboks No 9 with with Heini Adams and will leave his final decision on fitness for as late as possible.
"We'll give him as long as needed," Meyer said.
"Fourie is particularly important from a structural and leadership perspective, but we're very concerned (about the injury)."
Meyer sprung a surprise by leaving hulking Springboks lock Bakkies Botha on the reserve bench for second consecutive week.
Danie Rossouw starts at lock, packing down alongside captain Victor Matfield, leaving the Bulls with the same forward pack that crushed the Queensland Reds in last week's 92-3 humiliation.
The only definite change from last week comes at centre where second five-eighth Wayne Julies makes way for centre JP Nel, with Wynand Olivier moving in one spot to wear the No 12 jersey.
Team: Johan Roets; Akhona Ndungane, JP Nel, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Derick Hougaard; Fourie du Preez/Heini Adams, Pierre Spies, Wikus van Heerden, Pedrie Wannenburg, Victor Matfield (captain), Danie Rossouw, Rayno Gerber, Gary Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: Jaco Engels, Danie Thiart, Bakkies Botha, Derick Kuun, Adams/ Nicholas Eyre, Morne Steyn, Jaco van der Westhuyzen
- NZPA
