Nortje returns as captain in beefed-up Bulls outfit
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have made eight positional changes to their line-up for Friday’s United Rugby Championship fixture against Glasgow Warriors in Scotland.
Among the most significant changes are the inclusion of seasoned players like Marcell Coetzee and Ruan Nortje, which adds muscle and leadership, with the latter appointed captain.
There’s also the return of Springbok wing Kurt-Lee Arendse, who will feature off the replacements bench.
There has been a front row overhaul with Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Mornay Smith stepping in.
Other changes see the impressive Reinhardt Ludwig shifting from No.5 lock to No.7 flank, with JJ Theron and Nama Xaba dropping to the bench.
The backline shows just two changes with Embrose Papier coming in for Paul de Wet and Stravino Jacobs replacing Canan Moodie, who was called up to Springbok duty.
The Bulls have lost just two of their last seven away games in the URC.
Glasgow Warriors’ only defeat so far this campaign was a narrow loss against Benetton in Round Two.
The Warriors have lost just twice at home in any competition since December 2023, both in the URC, against Ospreys in March and against the Bulls in April.
The two sides have met on five previous occasions, with the Bulls having the edge by three wins to two.
The Bulls’ 26-19 win on their most recent visit to Scotstoun Stadium in April is the South Africans’ only victory in Scotland.
Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Ruan Nortje (captain), 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16 Juann Else, 17 Etienne Janneke, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 JJ Theron, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Kurt-Lee Arendse.
Date: Friday, October 24
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
Kick-off: 19.45 (20.45 SAST, 18.45 GMT)
Referee: Craig Evans (Wales)
Assistant referees: Mike Adamson (Scotland), Ru Campbell (Scotland)
TMO: Keith David (Wales)
