Bulls hit hard by injuries while dangerous Jaguares is waiting for them in Argentina
On the eve of their difficult game against the Jaguares in Argentina the Bulls were hit by a triple blow as a result of injuries sustained by key players in the match against the Sharks.
Bulls coach, John Mitchell, named a squad of 26 players to travel to Buenos Aires, where they will meet the Jaguares in a Super Rugby clash on Saturday.
The touring squad included only two players that has not featured in the tournament this season, with Edgar Marutlulle and Matthys Basson added to the squad. Marutlulle has 31 caps to his name already though, while Basson could make a first appearance for the Bulls if he is named in the match day team.
Regular captain Burger Odendaal was also withdrawn due to a rib injury, and was replaced by JT Jackson, with Handré Pollard taking over the captaincy.
On Monday it was announced that Lizo Qqoboka (injury to his big toe) and Lood de Jager (torn chest muscle) will both be out of action for at least four months after being injured against the Sharks on Saturday. The Bulls will therefore have to cope without these two Springboks for the rest of the SuperRugby season.
The coach opted for an extra prop, hooker and scrumhalf on the trip to Argentinia.
“We are very aware of the importance of this trip. We will be facing a team playing with lots of confidence and having their best run in the competition, so it will be a massive task to beat them at home. That said, we have set ourselves some targets this year and winning in Buenos Aires will take us a step closer to achieving those. So, we know what is at stake,” Mitchell said.
The squad for the game in Buenos Aires is:
Backs: Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Johnny Kotze, Divan Rossouw, Jesse Kriel, JT Jackson, Handre Pollard (c), Manie Libbok, Embrose Papier, Ivan van Zyl, André Warner.
Forwards: Themelani Bholi, Nick De Jager, Roelof Smit, Marco van Staden, Jason Jenkins, RG Snyman, Hendre Stassen, Trevor Nyakane, Conraad van Vuuren, Matthys Basson, Mox Mxoli, Frans van Wyk, Jaco Visagie, Edgar Marutlulle, Adriaan Strauss.
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