The stakes couldn’t be higher at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday at 12:00. For the Vodacom Bulls XV U-23 side, the equation is simple: beat the Hollywoodbets Sharks U23, and book a place in the final. Lose, and the season reaches a premature end.
With the intensity of a semi-final looming, the coaching staff has named a powerful matchday 23 designed to dominate the physical exchanges and maintain high-octane pressure for the full 80 minutes.
The selection of Keagan Johannes at flyhalf. Known for his tactical awareness and sharp distribution, Johannes moves into the pivot role to steer the ship. He will be partnered in the midfield by the hard-running Katlego Letebele, who earned the start at inside centre. This combination promises a blend of creative playmaking and direct physicality in the engine room of the backline.
The Vodacom Bulls have signaled their intent to dominate the closing stages by opting for a 6–2 split on the bench. This tactical move mirrors the Bomb Squad approach, ensuring the forward pack remains relentless throughout the contest.
The introduction of impact players like Khuta Mchunu, Shaun Schurmann, and the versatile Reinhard Ludwig in the second half will be crucial in countering the Sharks’ set-piece and keeping the intensity high when the game is on the line.
VODACOM BULLS XV
- Sandisiwe Msengana
- Jean Else
- Jean Erasmus
- Jannes Kirsten
- Ulrich van der Westhuizen
- Cephas van Biljon
- JJ Theron
- Junior Pokomela
- Neil Le Roux
- Keagan Johannes
- Riyaad Bam
- Katlego Letebele
- Demitre Erasmus
- Ruan Enslin
- Henry Immelman
Replacements:
16. Shaun Schurmann
17. Damian Baker
18. Khuta Mchunu
19. Reinhard Ludwig
20. AJ Fourie
21. Abri Van Der Westhuysen
22. Brooklyn Newman
23. PA van Niekerk