Ackermann shuffles Bulls backline for Munster showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann has revealed his matchday 23 for Saturday’s big United Rugby Championship showdown against Munster in Pretoria.
The inclusion of Willie le Roux at fullback means that the versatile David Kriel gets a bench role.
The return of Harold Vorster from injury to the midfield adds a physical directness that will be crucial against a gritty Irish defence.
Stedman Gans shifts to outside centre with Canan Moodie getting a spot on the wing.
Gerhard Steenekamp anchors the scrum in what will be his 100th match for the Bulls across European rugby and Super Rugby.
Meanwhile, both Marco van Staden (named on the bench) and the electric Kurt-Lee Arendse are set to earn their 50th URC caps for the franchise. Additionally, Cameron Hanekom is poised to make his 50th appearance for the Vodacom Bulls in all competitions.
Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Cameron Hanekom, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Cheswill Jooste, 23 David Kriel.
Date: Saturday, March 28
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 14.00 (12.00 GMT)
Referee: Hollie Davidson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Morne Ferreira (South Africa), Jonathan Lottering (South Africa)
TMO: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)