Bulls reload big guns for crucial Benetton showdown
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: For the Bulls’ final United Rugby Championship pool clash against Benetton, Johan Ackermann has made several key changes to his matchday squad as the Pretoria side looks to secure momentum heading into the playoffs.
The most significant adjustments come in the front row, where Springboks Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar return to the starting XV after featuring off the bench previously. Their promotion sees Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Marco van Staden shift into impact roles among the replacements.
There is also a major boost in the second row with Ruan Nortje returning to the starting lineup alongside Cobus Wiese. Nortje’s comeback adds experience and leadership to the Bulls pack, while Ruan Vermaak moves to the bench.
The loose trio has also been strengthened by the return of Springbok forward Elrigh Louw, who comes into the starting side at flank as the Bulls add further physicality and ball-carrying power to the pack.
In the halfbacks, the Bulls have opted for the established pairing of Embrose Papier and Handre Pollard to direct play from the start, moving Paul de Wet to the replacement bench.
While the midfield remains stable with the partnership of Harold Vorster and Canan Moodie, there is an adjustment in the back three: Kurt-Lee Arendse failed a late fitness test and is replaced by Devon Williams, who shifts to the right wing to accommodate Sergeal Petersen on the left, while the veteran Willie le Roux continues to anchor the side from fullback.
The bench sees the inclusion of Stravino Jacobs as the primary utility back cover at number 23, replacing injured Cheswill Jooste from last week’s roster. With the likes of Marco Van Staden, Vermaak, and Stedman Gans waiting in the wings, the Bulls have maintained a high-velocity bench designed to maintain intensity during the crucial closing stages at Loftus Versfeld.
Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Devon Williams, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sergeal Peterson, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Jeandre Rudolph, 5 Ruan Nortje (capt), 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Ruan Vermaak, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Stravino Jacobs
Date: Saturday, May 16
Venue: Loftus Versfeld
Kick-off: 16.00; 14.00 GMT
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: Christopher Allison (South Africa) and Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)
TMO: Ben Breakspear (Wales)
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