Van Zyl edges Papier
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Blue Bulls coach Pote Human has named four returning Springboks for their big north-south Currie Cup crunch match – but it is at scrumhalf where he made the most interesting selection.
Trevor Nyakane, Marco van Staden, Ivan van Zyl and Embrose Papier have been included in the matchday squad that will face Western Province in Pretoria on Saturday in the final round of league action.
Nyakane and Van Zyl did make earlier appearances in the competition, but it will be the first show for Van Staden and Papier in the 2018 competition.
Papier, who made the Bok squad more often than Van Zyl this year, was named on the bench.
Van Zyl, who only featured for the Boks when he started at No.9 against Wales in Washington, will start at Loftus.
The return of Van Staden will be crucial for the Blue Bulls.
Captain Hanro Liebenberg said forward dominance will be an important factor in the clash.
“We will have to dictate the style of play and tempo if we want to be successful,” Liebenberg said.
“They are quite adept on the counter, so ball possession will be key if we want to secure the win we need to confirm a semifinal spot.
“It is nice to have those four players back and we will be looking at them to provide momentum and confidence.”
Blue Bulls: 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Jamba Ulengo, 13 Johnny Kotze, 12 Franco Naude, 11 Jade Stighling, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Hanro Liebenberg (captain), 7 Marco van Staden, 6 Ruan Steenkamp, 5 Eli Snyman, 4 Hendre Stassen, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Matthys Basson.
Replacements: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 18 Ruan Nortje, 19 Nic de Jager, 20 Embrose Papier, 21 Tinus de Beer, 22 Dylan Sage.
Date: Saturday, October 12
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT)
Referee: Egon Seconds
Assistant referees: Jaco Pretorius, Eduan Nel
TMO: Lesego Legoete
