Vodacom Bulls coach Jake White has confirmed Duane Vermeulen, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Nizaam Carr were not risked for this Saturday’s clash against Griquas due to ‘niggling’ injuries.

In naming his side for the Super Rugby Unlocked opener, White explained that Vermeulen had suffered a knock to the leg in last weekend’s Springbok Showdown, which was a similar ailment sustained by Carr.

Arendse has a contusion on his quad and was also not considered for selection as a precautionary measure, but the flying wing should be ready for selection next weekend.

However, the Bulls will be without the services of hooker Schalk Erasmus for six weeks, after surgery on a twisted ankle.

‘All the teams seem to have a lot of niggles because of the lack of rugby and contact. I suppose I could pick these guys if I really wanted to, but we can’t afford it with our schedule if they have niggles,’ White explained.

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