Bulls bolster matchday squad with Boks for Scarlets clash
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann has revealed his matchday squad for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against the Scarlets in Llanelli.
Ackermann has significantly bolstered his starting pack and reshuffled the backline.
The most critical changes lie in the front five and the back three, with the Bulls boss opting for a blend of returning stalwarts and tactical shifts.
While Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar retain their spots, the inclusion of Wilco Louw at tighthead (replacing Francois Klopper) provides a massive boost to the Bulls’ scrumming power.
Louw is widely regarded as one of the best scrummagers in the competition, and his presence often dictates the tempo of the set-piece.
Ruan Vermaak moves from the bench into the starting No.4 jersey, swapping places with Cobus Wiese.
In the loose forwards, the formidable trio of Marcel Coetzee, Elrigh Louw, and Cameron Hanekom remains intact, providing continuity in a physical back row.
The backline sees the most movement. With Canan Moodie out of the No.11 jersey (hamstring injury), Kurt-Lee Arendse returns to start on the wing, bringing his world-class finishing and high-ball skills back to the fold.
David Kriel shifts from right wing to his preferred position at fullback, replacing Devon Williams. This move makes space for Cheswill Jooste to earn a start on the wing.
Jeandre Rudolph enters the fray as the utility replacement, taking over from Sergeal Petersen, indicating a possible shift toward a more forward-heavy 6-2 bench split if needed.
Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 18 Francois Kloppers, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Willie le Roux, 23 Jeandre Rudolph.
Date: Saturday, April 25
Venue: Parc y Scarlets, Llanelli
Kick-off: 19.45 (20.45 SAST; 18.45 GMT)
Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (Italy)
Assistant referees: Ben Whitehouse (Wales), Lloyd Edwards (Wales)
TMO: Stefano Roscini (Italy)
