Francois Hougaard has withdrawn from the Bulls team for its Super 14 opener against South African rival the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein because of injury.
The 21-year-old sustained a recurrence of a knee-ligament problem in training Thursday and was officially ruled out of Friday's clash.
Hougaard was named on the left wing for the Super 14 defending champion's first game of the 2010 competition after he passed a fitness test earlier in the week.
The utility back made his South Africa debut against Italy during the end of season tour last year and scored a try in the Blue Bulls' victory over the Cheetahs in the 2009 Currie Cup final.
Hougaard has been replaced by John Mametsa.
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