Bulls and Springboks on tenterhooks as influential trio leaves Loftus injured

The Bulls might have to frantically re-draft their touring squad for their three-match URC tour commencing next week after three key players were struck down by injuries in Friday night's victory over Connacht.

From a national perspective, the development is also notable as all three men are, at the very least, expected to be included in South Africa 'A' squad that will be travelling with the Springboks on their year-end tour next month.

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Hooker Johan Grobbelaar sustained an ankle injury at a breakdown, prompting him to hobble off. 

A few minutes later, the latest Springbok sensation Canan Moodie appeared to have copped a knock on the knee after completing a tackle, but that was revealed to have been a hamstring strain.

And, to rub salt in the wound, Sbu Nkosi, who delivered a fine all-round performance, departed the scene in the final quarter after sustaining a concussion.

"It's a tough game," said Jake White, the Bulls' director of rugby.

"Everyone gets injuries, so it's about handling it. Canan and Johan can probably only get their scans on Saturday. Then we'll assess.

"At least they're not all long-term injuries. These aren't cruciate or Achilles problems. Hopefully, we'll get some good news."

White had planned to announce his touring squad on Saturday, but might now be delayed to an extent.

"Sbu's concussion means he needs to observe the seven-day protocol, but that means he'd probably be ready for the second game on tour," he said.

"The other two we'll have to see. I had a paper in my pocket on the proposed touring squad I was going to take. Now that will have to change.

"But we'll see."