Hendricks' comeback complete
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Springbok Cornal Hendricks will make his first appearance in a first-class match since 2015 when he runs out for the Bulls against the Lions on Saturday.
Hendricks and fellow new signing Rosko Specman will start on the wings for the Bulls in their first pre-season match at Loftus Versfeld.
Specman concluded his Sevens duties with the BlitzBoks in December and Hendricks joined the Pretoria side a month earlier – after medical clearance.
Hendricks, who played in 12 Tests in 2014 and 2015, suffered a heart condition that has kept him on the sidelines since.
He had a few outings in club rugby, but it was feared he may never play first-class rugby again.
However, after finally being given a medical clearance late last year he will complete his comeback on Saturday.
Hendricks and Specman will add some attacking punch to the team named by coach Pote.
Another newcomer in the set-up is Marco Jansen van Vuren, who last year played for the Lions before a short stint with the SA Rugby Sevens Academy, while Muller Uys will also start. Uys, a former Junior Springbok, arrived from Western Province, where he played age group rugby last year.
“It is a long season, with no June window to interrupt the proceedings, so it will be important to have all available players fit and ready when needed,” says Human.
“A number of the guys starting this weekend will have the opportunity to show why they should be in the squad. We are all eager to see how the new guys do, but also to get the season going.”
Bulls: 15 Earl Dowrie, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Franco Naude, 12 JT Jackson, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 8 Muller Uys, 7 Thembelani Bholi, 6 Ruan Steenkamp. 5 Eli Snyman, 4 Ruan Nortje, 3 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 2 Corniel Els, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.
Replacements – from: Johan Grobbelaar, Matthys Basson, Conrad van Vuuren, Tim Agaba, Nic de Jager, Ivan van Zyl, Tinus de Beer, Jay-Cee Nel, Jade Stighling, Divan Rossouw.
Date: Saturday, January 26
Venue: Loftus Versfeld B, Pretoria
Kick-off: 15.00 (13,00 GMT)
Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni
