Injuries further deplete embattled Bulls

Springbok loose forward Jacques Potgieter, who flew to Tokyo last week as injury cover, has been ruled out of this week's encounter with a hamstring strain sustained in the shocking 20-21 loss to the Sunwolves last Saturday.

The 30-year-old featured for just 15 minutes after coming off the bench.

Team doctor Herman Rossouw said the injury is 'not serious', but he won't be available this week.

Before last week's return to action Potgieter missed several weeks of action, after having suffered concussion in the first half of the encounter with the Cheetahs last month.

* Meanwhile, Bulls prop Jacobie Adriaanse is still suffering from a concussion and a decision on his availability will be made later in the week.

The long-term injury situation sees John-Roy Jenkinson, Ruan Steenkamp, Dries Swanepoel and Arno Botha still sidelined for around six weeks.

John Jackson and Jonny Kotze will be out for another two to four weeks.

The good news for coach under-fire coach Nollis Marais is that Ulrich Beyers has returned to training this week, while prop Conraad van Vuuren is expected back in training next week.

Marais admitted earlier this week that he is under pressure after his team managed just one win form six starts.

Defeat against the Jaguares will see pressure mount for Marais to be axed as coach.