Pretoria - The Blue Bulls will be without wing Bjorn Basson when they start their challenge to the Currie Cup against the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on August 9.
Basson, who holds the record for most tries (21) scored in a Currie Cup season, is suffering from an ankle injury that will keep him on the sidelines for the next four weeks at least, team doctor Org Strauss confirmed.
Flank Jacques du Plessis is also expected back in four weeks as he is recovering from a broken jaw.
Hooker Callie Visagie, who is battling with a back strain, will be rested for two weeks, but should be fit to take on his old province.
Centres Dan Kriel (calf) and JJ Engelbrecht (contusion) as well as utility back Jessie Kriel (ankle) will sit out for a week.
The long-term injury list at the Blue Bulls is:
Tiaan Schoeman (ankle, 5 weeks)
Pierre Spies (bicep, 4 months)
Arno Botha (knee, 4 months)
Frik Kirsten (neck, 4 months or retirement)
Jaco Visagie (knee, 3 months)
Flip van der Merwe (knee, 5 months).
Basson, who holds the record for most tries (21) scored in a Currie Cup season, is suffering from an ankle injury that will keep him on the sidelines for the next four weeks at least, team doctor Org Strauss confirmed.
Flank Jacques du Plessis is also expected back in four weeks as he is recovering from a broken jaw.
Hooker Callie Visagie, who is battling with a back strain, will be rested for two weeks, but should be fit to take on his old province.
Centres Dan Kriel (calf) and JJ Engelbrecht (contusion) as well as utility back Jessie Kriel (ankle) will sit out for a week.
The long-term injury list at the Blue Bulls is:
Tiaan Schoeman (ankle, 5 weeks)
Pierre Spies (bicep, 4 months)
Arno Botha (knee, 4 months)
Frik Kirsten (neck, 4 months or retirement)
Jaco Visagie (knee, 3 months)
Flip van der Merwe (knee, 5 months).