The Vodacom Bulls have named a powerful, Springbok-laden lineup for Saturday’s north-south derby against the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld.
Coach Johan Ackermann has recalled several experienced forwards to the starting pack as his side looks to claim the honours in one of South African rugby’s fiercest rivalries.
Front-row heavy hitters Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw all return to the starting XV after beginning the previous clash against the Sharks on the bench. That means Alulutho Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Mornay Smith move to the replacements to provide second-half impact.
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There is also a tweak in the loose trio, with the in-form Jeandré Rudolph promoted from the bench to start at No 8. He joins captain Marcell Coetzee and Elrigh Louw, who both retain their places in the starting side.
The Bulls have opted for complete continuity in the backline.
The experienced halfback pairing of Embrose Papier and Handré Pollard continues at nine and 10, while the dangerous back three of Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sebastian de Klerk and David Kriel once again spearhead the attack.
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Among the replacements, the Bulls have stacked their bench with experience and physicality.
Marco van Staden is set to mark his 100th appearance for the Bulls, while Cobus Wiese also provides muscle among the forward reserves.
Paul de Wet and Willie le Roux offer experienced backline cover as the Bulls look to close out the derby strongly in the final quarter.
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BULLS – 15 David Kriel, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Bench: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Marco van Staden, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Willie le Roux.
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Photo: Anton Geyser/Gallo Images