Bok-powered Bulls ready for a showdown with the Kings of Europe

Rugby royalty descends on Loftus Versfeld this Saturday as the Vodacom Bulls host reigning Investec Champions Cup holders Union Bordeaux Bègles in a blockbuster Round 1 clash (5.15pm kick-off).

This is no ordinary fixture. It is the last home game of 2025 and the Bulls have signalled their intent with a Springbok-heavy squad featuring over a dozen internationals.

The clash promises fireworks as Bordeaux arrive as determined to prove their pedigree on South African soil. The Bulls, meanwhile, are intent on protecting their Loftus fortress and making a statement in “The Greatest Club Rugby Competition in the World”.

Fans will witness world-class talent on both sides. Bordeaux’s attacking arsenal includes French stars Damian Penaud, Louis Bielle-Biarrey, and Matthieu Jalibert, alongside South African connections Carlu Sadie, Jean-Luc du Preez and Rohan Janse van Rensburg.

Loftus will be alive with entertainment, fan activations and the roar of thousands as Pretoria hosts one of the most anticipated fixtures of the season.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has gone with Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie and Sebastian de Klerk in the backfield, while David Kriel and Harold Vorster will team up in the midfield.

Handre Pollard and Paul de Wet will run the show at halfback behind a powerhouse pack of forwards.

Marcell Coetzee leads from No 8 with Reinhardt Ludwig and Marco van Staden completing the loose trio. JF van Heeerden and Cobus Wiese lock the scrum with Mornay Smith (tighthead), Akker van der Merwe hooker) and Alulutho Tshakweni (loosehead) in the front row.

Ackermann has a 6-2 split on the bench with Embrose Papier and Stravino Jacobs covering the backs.

The six forwards hoping to make a big impact when they hit the field are: Johann Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp, Wilco Louw, Ruan Nortje, Elrigh Louw and Jeandre Rudolph.

Despite the solid line-up, several Bulls players remain on the injured list, namely Kurt-Lee Arendse (concussion), Cameron Hanekom (hamstring), Ruan Vermaak (achilles), Nama Xaba (longus tendon strain), Jan Serfontein (torn MCL) and Juan Else (concussion).

Vodacom Bulls starting XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sebastian de Klerk; 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Paul de Wet; 8 Marcell Coetzee (capt), 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marco van Staden; 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese; 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni. Replacements: 16 Johann Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Jeandre Rudolph, 22 Embrose Papier, 23 Stravino Jacobs.

Investec Champions Cup

Vodacom Bulls v Union Bordeaux Bègles - Saturday @ Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria (5.15pm)

Referee: Karl Dickson (Eng)