Bok discard starts for Bulls
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok ‘discard’ Jesse Kriel will make a long-awaited return to the Blue Bulls on Saturday.
The Bulls travel to Durban to face the Sharks in a Currie Cup Round Two fixture.
Kriel – who featured in three of the Boks’ four Tests in June, but has been unused in the Rugby Championship – last played for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup in 2014.
He has since been part of the Springbok set-up and not available to play for the Bulls in the Currie Cup.
Kriel has only played nine times for the Blue Bulls in Currie Cup and his 10th appearance is welcomed by coach Pote Human, who did not hesitate to include the utility back into the starting team.
“Of course it is great to have Jesse back in the team. He is a world class player and we welcome him back with a smile on our faces,” said Human.
“That said, this remains a team game and a team effort.
“We need to make sure we create the opportunities and space for someone like Jesse to perform. The Sharks also have a couple of Springboks in their squad, so they will be a pretty tough team to beat, especially in Durban, where they hosted the final last year.”
Kriel replaces JT Jackson, who moves to the bench, while Human also promoted Hendre Stassen to the starting team in place of injured Ruben van Heerden – from the team that opened their season with a win in Bloemfontein last Friday.
Stassen’s place on the bench is taken by Eli Snyman.
Edgar Marutlulle is back on the bench in place of Jan-Henning Campher, with Jaco Visagie moving into the starting line-up. Reagan Oranje will make his debut at scrumhalf, should he take to the field. He replaces Theo Maree as back-up to Andre Warner.
Bulls: 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Jade Stighling, 13 Jessie Kriel, 12 Johnny Kotze, 11 Jamba Ulengo, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Hanro Liebenberg (captain), 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Ruan Steenkamp, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Hendre Stassen, 3 Conrad van Vuuren, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Matthys Basson.
Replacements: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 18 Eli Snyman, 19 Jano Venter, 20 Raegan Oranje, 21 Tony Jantjies, 22 JT Jackson.
Date: Saturday, August 25
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Archie Sehlako, Vusi Msibi
TMO: Christie du Preez
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