Ludeke turns to the next generation
It may not be panic stations just yet, but Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludele made some dramatic alterations to his winless team.
There are seven changes to the starting XV for their Round Three Currie Cup encounter with the Eastern Province Kings at Lioftus Versfeld on Saturday.
This will be the Blue Bulls' first home match in the Currie Cup competition – following two away defeats against the Golden Lions and Western Province.
Ludeke decided on first-time starts for Jesse Kriel, William Small-Smith, Tony Jantjies, Rudi Paige and Bongo Mbonambi.
Marcel van der Merwe is moved from loosehead to tighthead, with Dean Greyling at loosehead prop after returning from his one-week suspension.
Callie Visagie, JJ Engelbrecht, Jacques Engelbrecht and Jurgen Visser are all 'rested', while Jacques-Louis Potgieter is injured.
Kriel will start at fullback, Small-Smith at outside centre, Jantjies (No.10) and Paige (No.9) will be the new halfback pairing, while Mbonambi will wear the No.2 jersey.
Regular Under-21 pivot Joshua Stander will be amongst the reserves and if called upon, will make his Currie Cup debut.
Blue Bulls captain Deon Stegmann said he was expecting a good effort from the new starters.
"They will bring their own energy and enthusiasm, which is important for the team," Stefmann said.
"The Kings will try to get us off our game and run us off our feet, so it will be important for us to keep our composure, use the ball better and to defend very well. I am confident that we can do that."
Blue Bulls: 15 Jesse Kriel, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 William Small-Smith, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Sampie Mastriet, 10 Tony Jantjies, 9 Rudi Paige, 8 Jono Ross, 7 Jacques du Plessis, 6 Deon Stegmann (captain), 5 Grant Hattingh, 4 Paul Willemse, 3 Marcel van der Merwe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Dean Greyling.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, 19 Wiaan Liebenburg, 20 Piet van Zyl, 21 Joshua Stander, 22 Ulrich Beyers.
Date: Saturday, August 23
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Lesego Legoete
Assistant referees: Jaco van Heerden, Cobus Wessels
TMO: Johan Greeff
