Despite the Vodacom Bulls being ravaged by injuries, coach Johan Ackermann has still been able to name six Springboks in his run-on 15 for this weekend’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship opening match against the Ospreys in Pretoria.
This will be the first test of Ackermann’s coaching regime since being installed in the position two months ago, an opportunity he is relishing.
Among the most significant selections are returning Springbok Gerhard Steenekamp, back from injury, Junior Springboks JJ Theron and Cheswill Jooste, and captain Marcell Coetzee.
The team has a robust mix of experience and new blood, all of whom have had strong pre-season training.
Meanwhile, injury to Johan Goosen has given Keagan Johannes an opportunity to stake a claim for the No 10 jersey, plus Jan Serfontein will be back in blue for the first time in eight years, slotting in alongside David Kriel in midfield.
Significantly, Test centurion Willie le Roux has been named on the bench and may get a crack late in the match.
Vodacom Bulls
1. Gerhard Steenekamp
2. Johan Grobbelaar
3. Mornay Smith
4. Cobus Wiese
5. JF van Heerden
6. Marcell Coetzee (Capt.)
7. Mpilo Gumede
8. JJ Theron
9. Embrose Papier
10. Keagan Johannes
11. Sebastian de Klerk
12. Jan Serfontein
13. David Kriel
14. Cheswill Jooste
15. Devon Williams
Replacements
16. Juann Else
17. Alu Tshakweni
18. Francois Klopper
19. Nicolas Janse van Rensburg
20. Nama Xaba
21. Paul de Wet
22. Stedman Gans
23. Willie le Roux