Pollard out of trip to the Lions' den
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls coach John Micthell is forced to field a new halfback partnership following Handre Pollard’s injury.
The Springbok flyhalf “picked up an issue with his back” during the Bulls’ 43-34 win over the Jaguares last weekend.
John Mitchell has named Manie Libbok and Ivan van Zyl as the halfback combination for their final Super Rugby match.
The coach also named RG Snyman as captain after regular captain Burger Odendaal failed to recover fully.
Wing Travis Ismaiel is fit again and return to the team though, with Divan Rossouw moving to the bench.
Mitchell tweaked the pack as well following their win over the Jaguares last weekend, with Jannes Kirsten moving to lock and Thembelani Bholi coming in at flank. Ruben van Heerden drops out of the matchday squad.
The coach also decided to blood three more youngsters to the competition. Johan Grobbelaar (hooker), Ruan Nortje (lock) and Boeta Hamman (flyhalf) are included on the bench and could make a tournament and Bulls debut should they take to the field.
Bulls: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Johnny Kotze, 11 Jamba Ulengo, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Hanro Liebenberg , 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 RG Snyman (Captain), 4 Jannes Kirsten, 3 Conraad van Vuuren, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Pierre Schoeman.
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Matthys Basson, 18 Mornay Smit, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Nick de Jager, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Boeta Hamman, 23 Divan Rossouw.
Date: Saturday, July 14
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 15.00 (13.00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa)
Assistant referees: AJ Jacobs (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)
TMO: Christie du Preez (South Africa)
