The Bulls will play their Super Rugby warm up match against the Lions in Soweto without a number of their best players due to minor injury strains.

The Bulls will play Super Rugby warm up this weekend at at Orlando Stadium on Saturday and then they play another warm up against the Cheetahs a week later.

Bulls team doctor Org Strauss has ruled out a number of possible starters for this week's clash due to minor strains, with Francois Venter, Zane Kirchner, Werner Kruger and Callie Visagie all suffering from minor strains.

Venter (groin), Kirchner (back), Kruger (back) and Visagie (hamstring) will miss the clash alongside Tony Jantjies (personal reasons, 2 weeks), Wilhelm Steenkamp (AC joint, 5 weeks), Marcel van der Merwe (knee rehab, four months), Dean Greyling (foot, 3 weeks) and Basil Short (AC joint, 2 weeks).

The likes of Grant Hattingh (ankle), Akona Ndungane (groin), Wiaan Liebenberg (hamstring), Dewald Potgieter (back) and Louis Fouche (ankle) have however been declared fit, although the two loose forwards will only train on Tuesday.

Midfielder Wynand Olivier has returned from his playing stint in Japan but will not be considered for selection and will be rested for a week.

Olivier will however be considered for the Cheetahs match in Polokwane next weekend.

The Bulls will announce their team to play the Lions on Wednesday.