Northern Bulls centre Wynand Olivier has been passed fit for the Super 14 final against Waikato Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Olivier, whose form this year has led to him being mentioned as a possible Springbok, retired with a hip injury early in a victory over Coastal Sharks in Durban two weeks ago.

It kept him out of a semi-final triumph over defending champions Canterbury Crusaders last weekend and Bulls officials hinted that a decision on his fitness would be made only on the eve of the final.

Bulls officials said Olivier would take his customary inside centre slot with Jaco Pretorius filling in at outside centre for JP Nel, barred for four weeks after being cautioned and cited after a high tackle against Sharks.

Marius Delport, who replaced Olivier against Crusaders, has been included among seven replacements instead of less experienced wing Gerhard van den Heever.

Apart from Nel, Bulls will field a full-strength team as they attempt to win the southern hemisphere rugby union championship a second time having edged Sharks 20-19 in Durban two seasons ago.

Chiefs coach Ian Foster will name his starting line-up on Thursday, but they will also lack a first-choice back with a dislocated shoulder ruling out All Blacks wing Sitiveni Sivivatu.

The New Zealand north island outfit qualified for a first Super 14 final by surviving a late onslaught from Wellington Hurricanes to win 14-10 in Hamilton with captain and fullback Mils Muliaina among the try scorers.

Waikato are hoping to become only the fifth team to win the Super 14 after Crusaders (seven titles), Auckland Blues (three), ACT Brumbies (two) and the Bulls.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP