Libbok makes Currie Cup debut
The Springbok Under-20 star Libbok replaces Warrick Gelant, who received a call-up to the Springboks squad. Like Gelant, Libbok hails from Outeniqua High School in George.
Meanwhile, Jamba Ulengo – who has been declared fit – will replace Kefentse Mahlo at left wing.
Adding to the player management challenges of two games this week, Marais has also opted to rest Piet van Zyl, handing a start to Andre Warner at scrumhalf. Warner moves from the bench, where Ivan van Zyl will slots in.
Amongst the forwards, Jaco Visagie is fit-again and will start on the bench. Coach Nollis Marais also recalled a fit-again Dries Swanepoel to the bench. Swanepoel played in eight matches last season and will add good experience on the bench.
Blue Bulls: 15 Manie Libbok, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Franco Naude, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Jamba Ulengo, 10 Tony Jantjies, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Nic de Jager, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Johannes Prinsloo (captain), 5 Ruben van Heerden, 4 Irne Herbst, 3 John-Roy Jenkinson, 2 Jan-Henning Campher, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Matthys Basson, 18 Abongile Nonkontwana, 19 Shaun Adendorf, 20 Ivan van Zyl, 21 Dries Swanepoel, 22 JT Jackson
Date: Wednesday, August 8
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.30 (15.30 GMT)
Referee: Quinton Immelman
Assistant referees: Stephan Geldenhuys, Morné Ferreira
TMO: Lesego Legoete
