The Vodacom Bulls will launch the Investec Champions Cup action for the domestic teams on Friday night when they line up against Section Paloise in France at 22:00 (SA Time).
The Vodacom Bulls face a challenging task against Pau at Stade du Hameau on Friday after suffering their seventh successive defeat of the season last week, by 61-49 against the Bristol Bears, despite Pau having won only one more match than them so far in the competition.
While the Pretoria outfit has struggled to find its form despite a gallant effort against the DHL Stormers in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship two weeks ago, Pau have been in fine form in the Top 14, winning 10 of their 14 matches so far and trailing log-leaders Toulouse, who have also won 10 matches, by only one point.
Adding to the pressure on the Vodacom Bulls, it is a must-win clash for them to keep alive their chances of progressing to the Round of 16, as they are currently at the foot of their table with two points, while they will also be playing in the vastly different weather conditions to Pretoria against a team who have suffered only one defeat at home this season.
A win for the Bulls, especially one that denies Section Paloise any points, could see them sneak into the top four and qualify for the Round of 16, depending on other results. Finishing fifth would secure a spot in the EPCR Challenge Cup, while finishing sixth means elimination from European competition.
Section Paloise has shown strong domestic form, sitting second in the French Top 14 league, but their Champions Cup campaign has been rocky. The Bulls, despite their poor recent run, have the quality to win away from home, but consistency has been a major issue. The match will be a significant test of the Bulls' character and a potential turning point in their season.
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has made 11 changes to his side for this decisive clash. Springbok speedster Kurt-Lee Arendse returns from concussion protocols to the wing, with veteran Willie le Roux at fullback and Sebastian de Klerk at outside centre. Captain Ruan Nortje is on the bench, with Marcell Coetzee taking over the captaincy and starting on the side of the scrum.
Teams
Section Paloise: 15 Jack Maddocks, 14 Theo Attissogbe, 13 Nathan Decron, 12 Quentin Valentino, 11 Aaron Grandidier Nkanang, 10 Clément Mondinat, 9 Dan Robson, 8 Carwyn Tuipulotu, 7 Loic Credoz, 6 Luke Whitelock (c), 5 Jimi Maximin, 4 Hugo Auradou, 3 Guram Papidze, 2 Lucas Rey, 1 Daniel Bibi Biziwu. Replacements: 16 Julian Montoya, 17 Remi Seneca, 18 Thomas Laclayat, 19 Thomas Jolmes, 20 Remi Picquette, 21 Facundo Isa, 22 Thomas Souverbie, 23 Fabien Brau-Boirie
Vodacom Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Sebastian de Klerk, 12 Harold Voster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Cobus Wiese, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 David Kriel, 23 Jeandre Rudolph.
