Basson to miss start of season
The Blue Bulls will be without the Currie Cup's record try-scorer Bjorn Basson when they start their campaign against the Golden Lions in Johannesburg on August 9.
Basson, who holds the record for most tries in season, is suffering from an ankle injury that will keep him on the sideline 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.
Callie Visagie, who is battling with a back strain, will be rested for two weeks, but should be fit to take on his former teammates.
Dan Kriel (calf), JJ Engelbrecht (contusion) and Jessie Kriel (ankle) will sit out for a week.
The long-term injury list at the Blue Bulls is: Tiaan Schoeman (ankle, five weeks to his return), Pierre Spies (bicep, four months), Arno Botha (knee, four months), Frik Kirsten (neck, four months), Jaco Visagie (knee, three months), Flip van der Merwe (knee, five months).
