Ackermann mixes and matches for first URC test

Despite the Vodacom Bulls being ravaged by injuries, coach Johan Ackermann has still been able to name six Springboks in his run-on 15 for this weekend’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship opening match against the Ospreys in Pretoria.

This will be the first test of Ackermann’s coaching regime since being installed in the position two months ago, an opportunity he is relishing.

Among the most significant selections are returning Springbok Gerhard Steenekamp, back from injury, Junior Springboks JJ Theron and Cheswill Jooste, and captain Marcell Coetzee.

The team has a robust mix of experience and new blood, all of whom have had strong pre-season training.

Meanwhile, injury to Johan Goosen has given Keagan Johannes an opportunity to stake a claim for the No 10 jersey, plus Jan Serfontein will be back in blue for the first time in eight years, slotting in alongside David Kriel in midfield.

Significantly, Test centurion Willie le Roux has been named on the bench and may get a crack late in the match.

Vodacom Bulls starting XV: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 David Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Sebastian de Klerk; 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier; 8 JJ Theron, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Marcell Coetzee (capt); 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese; 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp. Replacements: 16 Juann Else, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Nicolas Janse van Rensburg, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Willie le Roux.

SATURDAY

Vodacom Bulls v Ospreys

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – KO 1pm IRE & UK/2pm ITA & SA

Referee: Federico Vedovelli (FIR, 15th league game)

AR 1: JD Jadezweni (SARU) AR 2: Dylen November (SARU)

TMO: Peter Martin (IRFU)

Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv