Bulls get a Bok back for Leinster showdown

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has revealed his team to face Irish giants Leinster in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship semifinal at Loftus Versfeld.

There are three changes to the starting XV that beat Benetton 30-23 in last weekend’s quarterfinal.

In the pack, Springbok flank Marco van Staden returns from injury and takes over the No.6 jersey from Nizaam Carr, who drops down to the bench.

The other changes are in the backline with Devon Williams coming in for the injured Kurt-Lee Arendse on the wing.

There is also a change in the No.14 jersey with Sergeal Petersen replacing Sebastian de Klerk.

On the bench, former Stormers player Cornel Smit will get an opportunity in the No.23 jersey.

Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Devon Williams, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje (captain), 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Chris Smith, 23 Cornel Smit.

Date: Saturday, June 15
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 16.00 (14.00 GMT; 15.00 IRE & UK time)
Referee: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Mike Adamson (Scotland) and Adam Jones (Wales)
TMO: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)