The Vodacom Bulls are pulling out all the stops with four seasoned Springboks bolstering their squad for an upcoming clash with the Stormers at Faure Street Stadium. Friday's matchup promises fireworks with Johan Ackermann deploying heavyweights like Willie le Roux, Marcell Coetzee, Nizaam Carr, and Curwin Bosch in his 35-man lineup.
Among the notable selections, Willie le Roux and Curwin Bosch are expected to lend significant firepower to the backline. Utility back Sebastian de Klerk also makes a return from a prolonged injury stint, ready to grace the wings alongside Riyaad Bam. Bosch, taking up the mantle at flyhalf alongside youngster Ruben Groenewald, will no doubt aim to orchestrate some serious playmaking.
“We’re looking to hit the ground running, integrating our seasoned internationals with some of the fresher faces. Expect some dynamic rugby,” Ackermann commented.
Not to be overshadowed, the forward pack carries immense experience with Coetzee and Carr teaming up with Hanro Liebenberg, Jeandré Rudolph, Ruan Vermaak, and Francois Klopper. Young guns like Cephas van Biljon and Hakeem Kunene will be eager to prove their mettle, eyeing spots for regular inclusion as the season progresses.
The preseason fixture, set to kickoff at 3:30 PM on Friday, is more than just a test of new combinations. It's a decisive moment for fringe players to claim their stakes. As the Bulls prepare for their season opener against Zebre Parma in Italy later in the month, every player's performance will be scrutinized.
Here’s a look at the Bulls squad lineup:
- Alu Tshakweni
- Sti Sithole
- Sandi Msengana
- Juann Else
- John Hobson
- Christiaan Grundlingh
- Francois Klopper
- Khuta Mchunu
- Mornay Smith
- Ruan Vermaak
- Jaco Grobbelaar
- JF van Heerden
- Reinhardt Ludwig
- Marcell Coetzee
- Cephas van Biljon
- Hanro Liebenberg
- Nizaam Carr
- Jeandré Rudolph
- JJ Theron
- Paul de Wet
- Zak Burger
- Keagan Johannes
- Curwin Bosch
- Ruben Groenewald
- Riyaad Bam
- Sebastian de Klerk
- Harold Vorster
- Stravino Jacobs
- Pieter van der Merwe
- Stedman Gans
- Demitre Erasmus
- Thaakir Abrahams
- Cheswill Jooste
- Willie le Roux
- Hakeem Kunene
With both talent and strategy on their side, the Bulls are not just playing for a preseason win; they're laying down a marker for what's to come. Ackermann's blend of seasoned expertise and emerging talent could be the formula for a riveting season ahead.
