Bulls ring the changes for URC battle with Scarlets

The Vodacom Bulls have made 13 changes to their match-day 23 for Saturday’s final home Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture of 2026 against the Scarlets at Loftus Versfeld.

In all, there are eight changes to the starting XV, with coach Johan Ackermann reshaping the line-up following last week's outing.

Having been cleared on a disciplinary charge after being cited this week, regular captain Marcell Coetzee will play off the bench.

In the backline, Willie le Roux returns at fullback, with Dylan Maart moving to the right wing and Stravino Jacobs coming onto the left wing. Stedman Gans enters the midfield alongside Harold Vorster, while Curwin Bosch steps into the starting flyhalf role to partner Paul de Wet.

Up front, an entirely new front row of Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Khutha Mchunu takes the field. JF van Heerden joins Ruan Vermaak in the second row, while Jeandre Rudolph and Cameron Hanekom complete a re-worked back row alongside Hanro Liebenberg, who takes over the captaincy.

The squad features strong test-match experience throughout, boasting eight Springboks in the 23.

Marcell Coetzee starts on the bench after the disciplinary hearing related to his citing in the game against Ulster Rugby on last weekend was not upheld.

The citing commissioner in charge reported Coetzee for an act of foul play in the 43rd minute of the game under Law 9.20(a) and 9.20(b) – Dangerous play in a ruck or maul. (a) A Player must not charge into a ruck or maul. Charging includes any contact made without binding onto another player in the ruck of maul. (b) A Player must not make contact with an opponent above the line of the shoulders.

The panel overseeing the disciplinary hearing Ben Rutherford (Chair – Ireland), Declan Goodwin and Chris Morgan (Wales), reviewed the incident and agreed that an act of foul play had occurred, the clean out was principally shoulder to body. The head contact was incidental and low force, corroborated by the evidence of both the player and his opponent and medical team. The degree of danger was therefore low in accordance with the World Rugby Head Coach Process and the correct outcome was a yellow card, as issued by the Match Officials on the day.

Ackermann said: “Scarlets are a quality side who we managed to only narrowly beat last year, by a point or two. Of all the BKT URC teams last season, they brought the most intensity. They keep the ball in play, they test you. They have a very good counter-attacking game. Our work is cut out for us, no doubt.”

Scarlets Director of Rugby Nigel Davies said: “Our performance against the Stormers has given us all plenty of encouragement. We showed what we are capable of when we play with confidence, move the ball into space and back ourselves to take opportunities.

“We know there are areas we need to improve, including being more consistent in our execution and to manage moments in games that can change momentum. That’s particularly important against a side like the Bulls, with their power, physicality and their ability put you under enormous pressure - especially at Loftus.

“We have to match that physicality, work hard for each other and be intelligent in how we manage the game and make good decisions under pressure. We want to finish this South Africa tour knowing we have taken another step forward as a group.”

Vodacom Bulls starting XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Dylan Maart, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs; 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Paul de Wet; 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Hanro Liebenberg (capt), 6 Jeandre Rudolph; 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak; 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Alu Tshakweni. Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Marcell Coetzee, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Sebastian de Klerk, 23 Hakeem Kunene.

SATURDAY

Vodacom Bulls v Scarlets

Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria – KO 3pm IRE & UK/4pm ITA/5pm SA

Referee: Eoghan Cross (IRFU, 42nd league game)

AR 1: Christopher Allison (SARU) AR 2: Dylen November (SARU)

TMO: Robbie Jenkinson (IRFU)

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