Still searching for their first victory of the Carling Currie Cup campaign after four starts, the Vodacom Bulls XV return to Loftus Versfeld tomorrow at 15:00 SAST for a crucial clash against the second-placed Toyota Cheetahs.
The visitors arrive in Pretoria bolstered by the inspiring form of double World Cup-winning Springbok scrumhalf Faf de Klerk, whose influential displays have helped drive the Free Staters into the upper reaches of the log. To counter the challenge, the Vodacom Bulls XV coaching staff have opted for important tactical continuity while bolstering their bench with proven big-game punch.
A central feature of the team selection is the retention of halfbacks Keagan Johannes and Devon Williams. The skipper and his flyhalf pairing delivered an impressive, commanding performance last week, directing traffic effectively and providing a sharp tactical kicking game. Re-instating the nine and 10 axis provides crucial stability as the home side looks to turn pressure into points against a dangerous Free State backline.
The starting pack features Dylan Smith, Siphosethu Mnebelele, and Jean Erasmus up front, with Sintu Manjezi anchoring the second row. In the backline, Christiaan Vlok and Demitre Erasmus pair up in the midfield, with Aka Boqwana providing firepower at fullback.
Significantly, the hosts have named substantial Vodacom United Rugby Championship power on the bench in loose forwards Mpilo Gumede and Nizaam Carr. Both players bring dynamic ball-carrying, breakdown intelligence, and top-tier experience to the match-day 23. Their likely impact during the final quarter could prove decisive as the Vodacom Bulls XV look to close out a vital home performance.
Vodacom Bulls XV: 15 Aka Boqwana, 14 Riyaad Bam, 13 Demitre Erasmus, 12 Christiaan Vlok, 11 JJ Mothlodi, 10 Devon Williams, 9 Keagan Johannes (c), 8 Dieter Schubert, 7 JJ Theron, 6 Kebotile Maake, 5 Sintu Manjezi, 4 Johnathan Eloff, 3 Jean Erasmus, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Dylan Smith. Replacements: 16 Jon Hobson, 17 Sandi Msengana, 18 Dian Coetzee, 19 Cephas van Biljon, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Celimpilo Gumede, 22 Brooklyn Newman, 23 Marnus Rademeyer.