STARTER: Burger Odendaal replaces Jesse Kriel. Picture: GALLO IMAGES

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LOFTUS Versfeld is fast resembling a casualty ward as the Bulls’ injuries mount.

Just 20 minutes before announcing the Bulls squad for the Super Rugby encounter against the Melbourne Rebels in Pretoria on Saturday, coach Nollis Marais was on his knees — head in his palms — yesterday after seeing his latest casualty go down in training.

"What is happening to us?" the coach lamented as he watched Springbok centre Jesse Kriel slump after colliding with young flyhalf Manie Libbok.

"Jesse sustained a concussion," Marais said afterwards.

"He got his head on the wrong side during a normal attack-defence drill. I will not risk playing him this weekend. Injuries can’t seem to keep away from Loftus, but I will not risk Jesse’s health."

Kriel will be replaced by Burger Odendaal in the starting XV, although he will start at inside centre with Jan Serfontein moving to No13.

Dries Swanepoel will provide midfield cover on the bench.

Things were already getting worse on Tuesday, with a mishap at training that could lead to Grant Hattingh missing out this weekend as well. The lanky lock sustained a neck injury when he hit his head against a teammate during training. Scans could find no physical damage, but a close eye is being kept on the 25-year-old second-rower.

"Grant had a scan and we will make a decision (this morning) whether he will play or not. I don’t want to take any chances, I’ll let the doc make the call in the morning," Marais said.

Should Hattingh not get the green light today, Marvin Orie or Nico Janse van Rensburg will be added to the starting line-up in the No5 jersey, alongside No4 lock RG Snyman, who was cleared on Tuesday after sustaining a knee injury against the Stormers at the weekend. Orie is likely to get the nod ahead of Janse van Rensburg, with Jason Jenkins providing lock cover on the bench.

"Marvin was very good in the Currie Cup for us and he was very good against the Lions. They (Orie and Janse van Rensburg) have been training hard and are ready for the challenge," said the coach.

After last weekend’s 33-9 defeat to the Stormers in Cape Town, the Bulls are eager to get their home matches at Loftus off to a good start. Captain Adriaan Strauss dismissed suggestions that his young side, which included six debutants last weekend, were left wide-eyed by the strong Stormers’ side.

"It is not a problem to get the guys motivated and excited," Strauss said.

"The energy and excitement is still there. A lot of the youngsters put up their hands. Technically, we can improve, but that comes with time," he said.

"It’s good to know the home crowd will be here behind us, but that will not determine the outcome or help with the result. It is up to the players on the field. It will be a tough battle."

The Bulls also announced the short-term signing of former Sharks fullback SP Marais.

The No15, who is nursing a knee injury, agreed to a two-month contract with the Bulls, pending a medical examination. Should he be cleared, he will join the Bulls until the end of next month.