Bulls to 'rest' Bok captain
The Bulls, four points behind the table-topping Stormers in the Africa One conference, will meet the unpredictable Jaguares in Buenos Aires on Saturday – a match they have to win to stay in the play-off hunt.
Bulls coach Nollis Marais confirmed on Tuesday that Strauss – who has been re-appointed as Bok skipper for the rest of the year – will not be on the plane when the men from Pretoria head to South America on Wednesday.
"We decided long ago, we will be resting him [Strauss] for this match," Marais said.
"[Prop] Trevor [Nyakane] was also injured [ankle] on Bok duty, but we would have rested him this week as well," the Bulls mentor added.
In another blow to the Bulls Springbok loose forward Deon Stegmann hurt his foot at training on Monday and will also not be travelling with the team to Argentina.
The ever-growing injury list will also result in outside back Bjorn Basson staying home, making slow progress from a hamstring injury.
"He [Basson] trained last week, but it is precautionary measure to leave him at home," Marais said.
As was reported earlier Bulls team doctor Herman Rossouw confirmed that seasoned lock Grant Hattingh will also not join the team when they depart for Buenos Aires on Wednesday.
"Grant Hattingh complained of knee pains," Rossouw said, adding that scans showed minimal damage.
"He will consult a specialist tomorrow [Tuesday], when a final decision will be made on his date of return."
Loose forward Jacques Potgieter – who recent joined the Bulls from the Sharks, is also still sidelined with a knee injury.
He is busy with rehabilitation and should be available for selection in about two to three weeks.
Lock Rudolf Snyman returned injured from his stint with the South African A team, after their two-nil loss to the England Saxons.
"He is struggling with an ankle ligament injury," the doctor said, adding: "He is still in his moon boot and we expect him back in four to five weeks."
Star back Warrick Gelant had successful surgery after his cruciate knee ligament injury. He is starting his rehabilitation and is expected back early next year.
Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard is continuing his rehabilitation from his knee and shoulder surgery.
"He is making good progress and is expected to return to the playing field early next year," Rossouw said.
"Jan Serfontein had surgery to his hand and is expected to be sidelined for another two months."
* Meanwhile the Bulls named Namibian captain Renaldo Bothma and Nqobisizwe Mxoli to their squad for the trip to Argentina.
Both could see Super Rugby action for the Bulls for the first time, should they be included in the matchday squad.
Bulls tour squad: Sarel Marais, Travis Ismaiel, Jamba Ulengo, Burger Odendaal, Dan Kriel, Jesse Kriel, Dries Swanepoel, Francois Brummer, Tian Schoeman, Rudy Paige, Piet van Zyl, Arno Botha, Pieter Labuschagne, Renaldo Bothma, Roelof Smit, Jannes Kirsten, Marvin Orie, Jason Jenkins, Marcel van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Nqobisizwe Mxoli, Pierre Schoeman, Lizo Gqoboka, Jaco Visagie, Bandise Maku.
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