Bulls welcome back Bok bruiser
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has made some major changes for the Jukskei derby against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Springbok flanker Elrich Louw returns, Veteran Willie le Roux makes way for Devon Williams and Embrose Papier gets the nod at No.9.
In the midfield, Harold Vorster moves from the bench into the No.12 jersey, while Stedman Gans comes in at outside centre, replacing David Kriel and Sebastian de Klerk as the Bulls opt for a more direct, defensive-minded pairing.
There are also changes across the back three. Cheswill Jooste and Le Roux make way, with Stravino Jacobs earning a start on the wing and Williams taking over at fullback, adding pace and aerial ability for the expected kicking battle at Ellis Park.
In the loose forwards, Louw returns at openside flank, replacing Mpilo Gumede, who shifts to the bench.
The engine room also sees rotation, with Reinhardt Ludwig in at lock in place of Ruan Nortje, who failed a late fitness test, while Cobus Wiese is added to the matchday squad on the bench to bolster physicality late on.
Overall, the Bulls have retained their experienced front row and leadership core around Marcell Coetzee and Handré Pollard, but the selection tweaks point to a side set up for speed, defensive steel and adaptability in what is expected to be a high-tempo derby rather than the structured arm-wrestle of last week’s clash with Edinburgh.
Bulls: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Stravino Jacobs, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Nizaam Carr, 22 Keagan Johannes, 23 David Kriel
Date: Saturday, January 31
Venue: Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 14.30 SAST (12.30 GMT)
Referee: Morne Ferreira (South Africa)
Assistant referees: Aimee Barrett-Theron (South Africa), Hanru van Rooyen (South Africa)
TMO: Egon Seconds (South Africa)
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