The Vodacom Bulls are shaking things up for their upcoming URC showdown this Saturday, as they prepare to face Zebre at Loftus Versfeld. In a surprising tactical move, seasoned Springbok fullback Willie le Roux is set to orchestrate the game from the flyhalf position, sidelining regulars Handré Pollard and Embrose Papier to the bench. This is just one of several adjustments aimed at securing a victory on home turf.
In the backline, the Bulls welcome back Canan Moodie, who slots in at outside centre post-injury, alongside Harold Vorster. The versatile Kurt-Lee Arendse will step into the fullback role, filling the void left by the unavailable David Kriel. Flankers Cheswill Jooste and Sergeal Petersen will be covering the wings, adding speed and agility to the mix.
The forwards see a reshuffle as well, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Marco van Staden stepping up as loosehead prop and hooker, respectively. The second row will witness JF van Heerden taking over from Ruan Nortjé, with Ruan Vermaak holding down the fort at No 4 lock. The leadership mantle remains with Marcell Coetzee, who shifts to blindside flanker, paving the way for Jeandré Rudolph at openside. Cameron Hanekom continues to anchor the No 8 position.
"We're gearing up for a crucial phase in the season, and every match, every point counts. We've tailored our squad to maximize our strengths against Zebre," noted a determined Coetzee.
The bench isn’t short of firepower either, boasting the likes of Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Cobus Wiese. A significant milestone awaits Embrose Papier, who is poised to become the most-capped scrumhalf in Bulls history, surpassing the legendary Joost van der Westhuizen with his 170th game.
The Bulls are currently seventh in the standings and are eyeing a string of successes against Italian opposition, with Benetton scheduled to visit next week. This match against Zebre is not just about climbing the log; it's about making a statement.
BULLS – 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Willie le Roux, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Jeandré Rudolph, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Marco van Staden, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Bench: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Handré Pollard, 23 Stedman Gans.
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The Vodacom Bulls are shaking things up for their upcoming URC showdown this Saturday, as they prepare to face Zebre at Loftus Versfeld. In a surprising tactical move, seasoned Springbok fullback Willie le Roux is set to orchestrate the game from the flyhalf position, sidelining regulars Handré Pollard and Embrose Papier to the bench. This is just one of several adjustments aimed at securing a victory on home turf.
In the backline, the Bulls welcome back Canan Moodie, who slots in at outside centre post-injury, alongside Harold Vorster. The versatile Kurt-Lee Arendse will step into the fullback role, filling the void left by the unavailable David Kriel. Flankers Cheswill Jooste and Sergeal Petersen will be covering the wings, adding speed and agility to the mix.
The forwards see a reshuffle as well, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Marco van Staden stepping up as loosehead prop and hooker, respectively. The second row will witness JF van Heerden taking over from Ruan Nortjé, with Ruan Vermaak holding down the fort at No 4 lock. The leadership mantle remains with Marcell Coetzee, who shifts to blindside flanker, paving the way for Jeandré Rudolph at openside. Cameron Hanekom continues to anchor the No 8 position.
"We're gearing up for a crucial phase in the season, and every match, every point counts. We've tailored our squad to maximize our strengths against Zebre," noted a determined Coetzee.
The bench isn’t short of firepower either, boasting the likes of Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, and Cobus Wiese. A significant milestone awaits Embrose Papier, who is poised to become the most-capped scrumhalf in Bulls history, surpassing the legendary Joost van der Westhuizen with his 170th game.
The Bulls are currently seventh in the standings and are eyeing a string of successes against Italian opposition, with Benetton scheduled to visit next week. This match against Zebre is not just about climbing the log; it's about making a statement.
BULLS – 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Willie le Roux, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Jeandré Rudolph, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Marco van Staden, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels. Bench: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Handré Pollard, 23 Stedman Gans.