Bulls reveal new halfback pairing for Zebre clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have made three changes to their team that will take on Zebre Parma in a United Rugby Championship Round 10 match at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Friday.
A forced change following the suspension of experienced pivot, Morné Steyn, who will miss the next three matches for the Bulls, sees the reliable Chris Smith earning a starting berth in the No.10 jersey. He will form a halfback pairing with Embrose Papier, who is promoted from the bench from the side’s previous match against the Lions a fortnight ago.
The versatile Kurt-Lee Arendse makes his way back into the starting XV, where he will start at fullback, forming a formidable back trio, alongside the experienced Cornal Hendricks and explosive Madosh Tambwe, who will be the starting wings.
Continuity among the forwards sees no changes being made in the starting pack.
🚨 TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT 🚨
Introducing your Vodacom Bulls team to take on @ZebreRugby tomorrow night in Parma 💪
Who ya got? 👇 @Vodacom #URC #TrueToTheBlue pic.twitter.com/TpJ5RenIDZ
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) February 24, 2022
Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, said ahead of the game: “We are looking forward to being back in action in the URC, following a week’s break after our previous match against the Sharks.
“We are expecting a tough challenge against Zebre Parma, in their own backyard at Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi. We are looking forward to an entertaining game of rugby, with our aim, of course, being an effort to return home with another overseas win under our belts.”
Bulls: 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Ruan Mostert, 23 Canan Moodie.
Date: Friday, February 25
Venue: Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi, Parma
Kick-off: 18.30 (19.30 SA time; 17.30 GMT)
Referee: Adam Jones (Wales)
Assistant referees: Federico Boraso (Italy), Dario Merli (Italy)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (Italy)
