Springbok utility back and two-time World Cup winner, Willie le Roux will make his debut for the Vodacom Bulls who return to fortress Loftus looking to slay Connacht who visit the capital in round six of the 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship.
The Vodacom Bulls' made six rotational shuffles to the starting XV with two more changes in personnel on the bench for the clash set for Saturday 25 November, at 17:00 (SA Time).
Le Roux will lace his boots and line up at fullback with the centre-pairing of David Kriel and Stedman Gans in front of him. Once more, ‘Speed Kings’ Sergeal Petersen and Sebastian de Klerk will command the herd on the wings whilst scrumhalf Zak Burger and Jaco van der Walt (flyhalf) will marshal the troops at halfback.
Up ahead, the front row is assembled with Gerhard Steenekamp at loosehead prop alongside Akker van der Merwe at hooker with Wilco Louw at tighthead prop. Behind the power-packing trio will be the lock combination of Reinhardt Ludwig and captain Ruan Nortje in the second row. Versatile flanker, Marco ‘Eskom’ van Staden returns to the fold and will start at flank alongside Elrigh Louw to his right with Nizaam Carr at eight.
Director of Rugby, Jake White has assembled an impact squad comprising 5 forwards and three backline players Simphiwe Matanzima, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith, Janko Swanepoel, Cyle Brink, Embrose Papier, Chris Smith and the young World Champion, Canan ‘Mr. Magic’ Moodie.
Vodacom Bulls: 1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Reinhardt Ludwig, 5. Ruan Nortje (c), 6. Marco van Staden, 7. Elrigh Louw, 8. Nizaam Carr, 9. Zak Burger, 10. Jaco van der Walt, 11. Sergeal Petersen, 12. David Kriel, 13. Stedman Gans, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 15. Willie le Roux. Replacements: 16. Simphiwe Matanzima, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Mornay Smith, 19. Janko Swanepoel, 20. Cyle Brink, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Chris Smith, 23. Canan Moodie.
