For the Vodacom Bulls’ final VURC pool clash against Benetton at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, the matchday squad features a significant strategic reshuffle that sees several heavy hitters return to the starting XV.
The most notable change up front is a complete rotation of the starting props. Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar move from the bench to the starting lineup, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Marco van Staden providing cover as finishers this week.
In the second row, the leadership group receives a massive boost as Ruan Nortje returns to partner Cobus Wiese, shifting Ruan Vermaak to the bench. The back row also sees a physical upgrade with Elrigh Louw slotting in at flank, with Jeandre Rudolph replacing Marcell Coetzee, laid low by illness.
In the halfbacks, the Vodacom Bulls have opted for the established pairing of Embrose Papier and Handre Pollard to direct play from the start, moving Paul de Wet to the replacement bench. While the midfield remains stable with the partnership of Harold Vorster and Canan Moodie, there is an adjustment in the back three: Kurt-Lee Arendse failed a late fitness test, to be replaced by Devon Williams, who shifts to the right wing to accommodate Sergeal Petersen on the left, while the veteran Willie le Roux continues to anchor the side from fullback.
The bench sees the inclusion of Devon Williams as the primary utility back cover at number 23, replacing injured Cheswill Jooste from last week’s roster. With the likes of Marco Van Staden, Vermaak, and Stedman Gans waiting in the wings, the Vodacom Bulls have maintained a high-velocity bench designed to maintain intensity during the crucial closing stages at Loftus Versfeld.
VODACOM BULLS v BENETTON
- Gerhard Steenekamp
- Johan Grobbelaar
- Wilco Louw
- Cobus Wiese
- Ruan Nortje (capt)
- Jeandre Rudolph
- Elrigh Louw
- Cameron Hanekom
- Embrose Papier
- Handre Pollard
- Sergeal Peterson
- Harold Vorster
- Canan Moodie
- Devon Williams
- Willie le Roux
Replacements:
- Marco van Staden
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- Francois Klopper
- Ruan Vermaak
- Mpilo Gumede
- Paul de Wet
- Stedman Gans
- Stravino Jacobs
Unavailable: David Kriel, Akker van der Merwe, Sebastian de Klerk, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Cheswill Jooste, Marcell Coetzee, Kurt-Lee Arendse.