Bulls looking to hit the ground running in Italy

The Vodacom Bulls have officially locked in their match-day 23 for the opening fixture of the new Vodacom United Rugby Championship (URC) season, turning to a mix of seasoned campaigners and explosive front-line starters as they prepare to take on Italian side Zebre Parma on Saturday.

After reaching the final last season following a sluggish start to their campaign, the Pretoria-based franchise faces immediate pressure to hit the ground running. Head coach Johan Ackermann knows that a fast, convincing start is mandatory if they hope to maintain momentum early on. However, the task is further complicated by squad limitations, with the team unable to select their current Springbok stars due to national duty in Australia this weekend.

Despite missing key international heavyweights, the Bulls possess substantial quality throughout the side. Veteran fullback Willie le Roux brings valuable experience to the backline alongside explosive wingers Stravino Jacobs and Sebastian de Klerk, back from long-term injury. Former Sharks flyhalf Curwin Bosch forms a brand-new halfback pairing with Paul de Wet, while the midfield features the trusted partnership of Harold Vorster and Stedman Gans.

Up front, Marcell Coetzee leads the side from the back row alongside Hanro Liebenberg and Jeandre Rudolph. In the absence of primary front-row options, Alu Tshakweni, Juann Else, and Francois Klopper earn starting berths. The bench features significant impact potential in the form of Nizaam Carr, Zak Burger and promising lock JF van Heerden.

Ackermann said: “Rugby is about opportunities. Hopefully these players will show that they can play at this level and we’re excited about the team and the players getting the opportunity.”

Zebre Parma head coach Massimo Brunello said: “The pre-season was positive, although we had a few too many injuries, particularly in the front row. We start against the runners-up, so it will certainly be a physical battle but at home, with the support of our crowd, we will fight until the very end.

“We will need to be effective at set-piece and take points from every opportunity. In defence, we will have to apply relentless pressure to prevent them from gaining too much momentum.”

Vodacom Bulls starting XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs; 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Paul de Wet; 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marcell Coetzee (capt); 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 4 Ruan Vermaak; 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Alu Tshakweni. Replacements: 16 Janco Uys, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 JF van Heerden, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Cheswill Jooste, 23 Hakeem Kunene.

SATURDAY

Zebre Parma v Vodacom Bulls @ Stadio Lanfranchi, Parma – KO 5.30pm IRE & UK/6.30pm ITA & SA

Referee: Andrew Brace (IRFU, 115th league game)

AR 1: Franco Rosella (FIR) AR 2: Alberto Favaro (FIR)

TMO: Olly Hodges (IRFU)

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