Bulls bring in heavy hitters for Benetton battle

For the Vodacom Bulls’ final VURC pool clash against Benetton, the matchday squad features a significant strategic reshuffle that sees several heavy hitters return to the starting XV.

The most notable change up front is a complete rotation of the starting props. Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar move from the bench to the starting lineup, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Marco van Staden providing cover as finishers this week. In the second row, the leadership group receives a massive boost as Ruan Nortje returns to partner Cobus Wiese, shifting Ruan Vermaak to the bench. The back row also sees a physical upgrade with Elrigh Louw slotting in at flank, replacing Jeandre Rudolph (who moves to No 6).

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, to be 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 No 23, replacing injured Cheswill Jooste from last week’s roster. With the likes of 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.

Vodacom Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann said: “We saw they picked their best possible side against the Sharks so we expect the same. It means it will include a lot of Italian internationals who had a great Six Nations. We expect a proper Test match against a world-class team. They play a very good brand of rugby and push every team to the limit. If they don’t win they lose by small margins. A nuggety, quality team.”

Benetton head coach Calum MacRae said: “Against the Bulls we are expecting an even tougher challenge: they are a team that brings great speed and physicality from the very beginning. We will need to be very accurate in the details and able to match their intensity to stay competitive throughout the game.”

Vodacom Bulls starting XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14Devon Williams, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sergeal Peterson; 10 Hander 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.

SATURDAY

Vodacom Bulls v Benetton

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – KO 3pm IRE & UK/4pm ITA & SA

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

Referee: Craig Evans (WRU) 74th game

AR1: Christopher Allison (SARU), AR2: Hanru van Rooyen (SARU)

TMO: Ben Breakspear (WRU)