The Vodacom Bulls have named a strong team with wholesale changes made for Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against the Sharks at 18:0 (SA Time), with several frontline stars returning after last week’s line-up against Northampton.
Willie le Roux slots in at fullback, Handré Pollard returns at flyhalf, and Embrose Papier takes over at scrumhalf. David Kriel and Sebastian de Klerk are recalled to the midfield and wing, respectively, adding experience and strike power alongside Harold Vorster and Stravino Jacobs.
Up front, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, and Wilco Louw form a heavyweight front row, while Jeandre Rudolph comes in at blindside flank. Elrigh Louw captains the side from No 8, with JJ Theron completing the loose trio.
The replacements have also been reinforced, with Akker van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Reinhardt Ludwig, and Devon Williams joining Nizaam Carr, Paul de Wet, and Stedman Gans.
In total, 11 changes have been made to the starting XV, reflecting a deliberate shift from rotation to full-strength selection. The Vodacom Bulls will be looking to impose themselves physically and clinically in Durban, with Pollard and Le Roux’s leadership expected to steady the ship.
Saturday’s clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter as the Vodacom Bulls aim to bounce back and build momentum heading into the festive period.
Vodacom Bulls: 1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Cobus Wiese, 5. JF van Heerden, 6. Jeandre Rudolph, 7. Elrigh Louw (c), 8. JJ Theron, 9. Embrose Papier, 10. Handre Pollard, 11. Stravino Jacobs, 12. Harold Vorster, 13. David Kriel, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 15. Willie le Roux. Replacements: 16. Akker van der Merwe, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Khuta Mchunu, 19. Reinhardt Ludwig, 20. Nizaam Carr, 21. Paul de Wet, 22. Stedman Gans, 23. Devon Williams.