The Vodacom Bulls head to Ireland tonight with 13 Springboks in their ranks ahead of a three-match Vodacom United Rugby Championship tour where they will play Ulster, Connacht and Glasgow, in Scotland.
Unfortunately, a failed HIA ended Marcell Coetzee’s chances, and the flank will remain at home (for now) where he will be regularly assessed by medical staff. He had led the Vodacom Bulls to two fine opening wins, but will now be replaced as captain by hooker Johann Grobbelaar.
Meanwhile, Kurt-Lee Arendse remains in rehab nursing a hamstring injury, but could be considered down the line.
Also, as per player welfare protocols, tighthead Wilco Louw will be replaced after week two by Khuta Mchunu. Ruan Nortje is also staying at home to rest, but will be available if an SOS goes out.
The Vodacom Bulls have been bolstered by the return of Cheswill Jooste, Jan Serfontein and Cobus Wiese, all of whom missed the weekend’s match against Leinster.
The addition of Springboks like Handre Pollard, Wilco Louw and Canan Moodie will doubtless add steel to the squad, although the challenge, as intimated by coach Johan Ackermann, will be to seamlessly integrate them.
“We’ve got individual plans in place, but injuries have already forced one or two changes. Hopefully we’ll integrate them quickly. It’s probably the biggest challenge for Handré, just because he’s the newest addition, while the others have played with us before.”
Vodacom Bulls Touring Squad
Alulutho Tshkweni; Canan Moodie; Cheswill Jooste; Cobus Wiese; David Kriel; Devon Williams; Embrose Papier; Francois Kloppers; Gerhard Steenekamp; Handre Pollard; Harold Vorster; Jan Hendrik Wessels; Jan Serfontein; Jean Else; Jeandre Rudolph; JJ Theron; Johann Grobbelaar (capt); Johan Goosen; Keagan Johannes; Marco van Staden; Mornay Smith; Mpilo Gumede; N J van Rensburg; Nama Xaba; Paul de Wet; Reinhardt Ludwig; Sebastian de Klerk; Stravino Jacobs; Wilco Louw; Willie le Roux; Zak Burger.
Non-Travelling Reserves
Etienne Janneke; Esethu Mnebelele; Khuta Mchunu; Sintu Manjezi; Jacobus Grobbelaar; Kurt-Lee Arendse (pending fitness); Stedman Gans; Sergeal Petersen.