The Vodacom Bulls face Edinburgh Rugby in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) match tonight, Friday, at 21:45 (SA Time) at the Hive Stadium, Edinburgh.
The match is expected to be a tough encounter, with the Bulls coming off a recent seven-match losing streak that was snapped by a victory over Pau in the Investec Champions Cup. Edinburgh, despite some erratic form, has proven formidable at home and is looking to build momentum after a convincing win in their last URC match.
Adding to the Bulls’ motivation, the Scots have only suffered one defeat at home this season, but given the high stakes with the competition nearing the home stretch, they will be fully aware of the significance of registering a victory.
While the Vodacom Bulls’ attack has been better than the hosts’, they will have to step up their defence immensely after conceding 224 points to Edinburgh’s 147. The aerial battle is expected to be a key factor due to potential wet and windy conditions.
Edinburgh Rugby have made seven changes to the starting line-up. They welcomed the return of Scotland internationals Duhan van der Merwe (calf), Grant Gilchrist (quad), and D’arcy Rae (ankle), all of whom return from injury to be named in the starting XV.
Completing the changes are British & Irish Lion Pierre Schoeman, Magnus Bradbury and Wes Goosen, who return alongside young back-row Liam McConnell, the quartet restored to the line-up after being rested for last weekend’s European defeat.
Vodacom Bulls has made strategic tweaks to the team for the clash, including some rotations to manage a demanding schedule. The team will be captained by Marcell Coetzee.
Johan Grobbelaar slots in at hooker for Akker van der Merwe, with Wilco Louw starting at tighthead prop in place of Mornay Smith, who shifts to the bench. Alu Tshakweni remains as loosehead cover.
Ruan Nortje earns a start at No 5, replacing Reinhardt Ludwig, who drops to the bench, while Jeandre Rudolph shifts into the No 8 jersey, with Nizaam Carr moving to the reserves.
At the back, David Kriel starts at inside centre, taking over from Harold Vorster, who shifts to the bench.
These tweaks reflect head coach Johan Ackermann’s depth management, blending experience with emerging talent to target back-to-back wins.
Teams:
Edinburgh Rugby: 15 Harry Paterson, 14 Darcy Graham, 13 Wes Goosen, 12 James Lang, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Ross Thompson, 9 Ben Vellacott, 8 Magnus Bradbury, 7 Freddy Douglas, 6 Liam McConnell, 5 Grant Gilchrist, 4 Glen Young, 3 D’Arcy Rae, 2 Ewan Ashman, 1 Pierre Schoeman. Replacements: 16 Harri Morris, 17 Boan Venter, 18 Paul Hill, 19 Callum Hunter-Hill, 20 Ben Muncaster, 21 Charlie Shiel, 22 Cammy Scott, 23 Piers O’Conor.
Vodacom Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Sebastian de Klerk, 12 David Kriel, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Harold Vorster, 23 Stravino Jacobs.