Bulls reload backline for Shark showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann made several tactical changes for the challenge against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Springbok Canan Moodie is back and will partner in midfield with Harold Vorster.
David Kriel moves from the bench to take over the fullback jersey from Devon Williams, while Sebastian de Klerk and Kurt-Lee Arendse are the new-look wing pairing.
While the halfback pairing of Embrose Papier and Handre Pollard remains the stable core of the attack, the midfield sees Harold Vorster retain his spot. However, he now partners with the returning Canan Moodie as Stedman Gans drops out of the matchday squad.
Up front, coach Johan Ackermann has also opted for rotation.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels shifts from loosehead prop to hooker, making room for Alulutho Tshakweni to start at loosehead. Morne Smith also moves into the starting line-up at tighthead, swapping roles with Wilco Louw, who provides cover from the bench this week.
The second row sees Ruan Nortje return to partner Ruan Vermaak, replacing Reinhardt Ludwig. In the loose trio, Nizaam Carr earns a start at eighthman, which sees Jeandre Rudolph move to the replacements.
Captain Marcell Coetzee and Elrich Louw continue their hard-hitting partnership on the flanks.
The replacement bench features heavy international experience and versatility. Willie le Roux and Paul de Wet provide specialist cover for the backline, while Stravino Jacobs moves to the impact role after starting last month.
Marco van Staden and Cobus Wiese remain the go-to options for forward reinforcements, ensuring the Vodacom Bulls maintain their physical intensity in the closing stages.
Players that are unavailable for selection include Akker vn der Merwe, Sintu Manjezi, Cameron Hanekom, Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar.
Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier; 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Elrich Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Morne Smith, 2 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Jeandre Rudolph, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Willie le Roux, 23 Stravino Jacobs
Date: Saturday, February 29
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby (South Africa) & Jonathan Lottering (South Africa)
TMO: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)
