We have to 'hit our markers' - Strauss

The 31-year-old Bulls stalwart has regained the captaincy from Handre Pollard following his phased return from an injury layoff and takes charge for the three-week Super Rugby tour abroad.

 Strauss put in a 33 minute effort in the second half of the Bulls' 34-21 victory over the Sunwolves at Loftus last weekend.

 The Loftus outfit kick off their overseas campaign with an outing against the Blues in Auckland on Saturday.

 Like their visiting opponents, the Blues have only managed a single victory to date -- against the Rebels -- on the opening day of the season in February.

 The Bulls also face a tough encounter on April 1 against the unbeaten Chiefs, who have brushed aside all before them so far, including the defending champions, the Hurricanes.

 They wrap up their trip with a visit to Tokyo for a return clash with the Sunwolves on April 8.

 "We set out specific goals at the beginning of the season and we haven't come close to reaching that," Strauss points out.

 "We need to hit those markers sooner rather than later," he adds.

 With the complex format of Super Rugby being what it currently is, the Bulls will be the first team to encounter New Zealand opposition this term.

 Strauss believes that's no reason to feel any additional pressure.

 "I can't speak on behalf of everyone, but I know as much as it may sound like a cliché, the core group definitely feels that we are chasing our own standard.

 "We can improve a hell of a lot in every aspect of the game."

 From a personal perspective, the blonde-haired hooker, who relinquished the Springbok captaincy last year, says it feels great to be back in action again.

 "It's exciting to be back on the field again and awesome to play with less pain. I never expected to play the best rugby of my life, being only my first game back. Obviously I still have a lot to work on, but it's awesome to be back with the guys again."

 Videos by Brenden Nel