Pollard gets pivot role as Bulls employ their 'Bomb squad'
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls are leaving no stone unturned as they roll out a powerhouse matchday squad to take on Champions Cup holders Union Bordeaux Bègles in a blockbuster Round One showdown at Loftus Versfeld.
The fixture marks the Bulls’ final home game of 2026, and they’ve made their intentions crystal clear with a Springbok-stacked line-up.
Johan Ackermann also opted for a powerful 6-2 split on the replacement bench.
Double Rugby World Cup winner Handré Pollard returns to steer the ship from flyhalf.
Pollard, who made his comeback to the Pretoria franchise earlier this year, brings invaluable experience and world-class game management – adding a sharp new attacking edge to the Bulls.
Former Stormers back Paul de Wet gets the nod ahead of Embrose Papier at scrumhalf.
In midfield, Harold Vorster and David Kriel combine as the centre duo.
The back three features exciting young talent Sebastian de Klerk on the left wing, Springbok star Canan Moodie on the right, and seasoned campaigner Willie le Roux marshalling things from fullback.
Captain Marcell Coetzee anchors the pack from No. 8, with Reinhard Ludwig and Marco van Staden – fresh off the Springboks’ end-of-year tour – joining him in a dynamic back row.
In the engine room, Cobus Wiese partners JF van Heerden, while the front row of Alulutho Tshakweni, Akker van der Merwe, and Mornay Smith is tasked with setting the tone at scrum time.
The bench is loaded with Springbok reinforcements.
Johann Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, and Ruan Nortje – all recently back from international duty – are primed to make an impact.
Elrigh Louw and Jeandrè Rudolf complete the forward reserves, while Embrose Papier and Stravino Jacobs cover the backline.
Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Voster, 11 Sebastian de Klerk, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Marcell Coetzee (Captain), 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni.
Replacements: 16 Johann Grobberlaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Jeandre Rudolf, 22 Embrose Papier, 23 Stravino Jacobs
Date: Saturday, December 6
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT; 16.15 French time)
Referee: Karl Dickson (England)
Assistant referees: Luke Pearce (England) & Joe James (England)
TMO: Ian Tempest (England)
