The Vodacom Bulls will be without the services of Marco van Staden and Canan Moodie for the #LoftusQuarterfinal of the 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship where they take on Benetton Rugby on Saturday at 3.30pm (Tickets start from R 50 through Ticketpro only).
Moodie suffered a hand injury ruling him out in the short term which sees Sebastian de Klerk slotting on to the right wing with Sergeal Petersen forming part of the replacements bench. Van Staden remains in contention for the possible semi-final but in his absence, this weekend is Nizaam Carr who starts whilst Jannes Kirsten completes the 5-3 impact squad which also features Akker van der Merwe, Simphiwe Matanzima, Francois Klopper, Reinhardt Ludwig, Keagan Johannes and Chris Smith.
Director of Rugby, Jake White says the injuries are untimely but because the side has been rotated regularly, everyone is match ready.
“Canan injured his hand against the Sharks last weekend and will be going for surgery today. It is one of those where they will only be able to see how serious it is once they open him up. It is his index finger (that is fractured) which influences his passing, on top of his pinkie a few weeks ago which he has strapped before. I am not sure if it will be one of those that you can strap in a couple of weeks and play but he remains unavailable this week and the next.
“From the Boks point of view, I hope it is not that serious so that he is ready for the Irish series.”
On Van Staden’s status White said: “Marco would have been able to play had this been the last game of the season but I do not want to take the risk knowing that he is a part of the national squad and have him break down ahead of the international series. I do not think it is fair, unless he is 100% alright, to put him back on the field.”
Asked about the progress of Marcell Coetzee who had an operation a few weeks ago, White said: “He should be back next week if all things go well.”
White has assembled a front row comprising Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw. Behind the trio will be locks, Ruan Vermaak and captain Ruan Nortje. Carr lines up at open side flank with Elrigh Louw on the blind side. Cameron Hanekom will do duty from No 8.
Speaking on Carr stepping up, the Bulls mentor reflected: “An interesting stat is that Nizaam has been the most consistent for us at the breakdown. He hasn’t given away penalties at the breakdown and has been accurate and better at open side flanker. His skill set and accuracy at the breakdown - perhaps - gives us horses for courses without having to make that decision.”
Halfbacks, Embrose Papier and Johan Goosen combine once more with Kurt-Lee Arendse retained at left wing whilst De Klerk runs on the right. Harold Vorster (inside) and David Kriel (outside) link up at centre with Willie le Roux at fullback.
On the experiences gained from previous encounters against the Italians Whited added: “I know the guys have not forgotten about the Rainbow Cup final from a few seasons back because most of the team played against them then and also two weeks ago, we played against them and know how well they played in that 20-minute block when we thought we had them dead and buried.”
Asked whether or not there was a temptation to start planning for the home semi-final, White cautioned the excitement and called for calm heads without getting too carried away.
“We have got to win this weekend and only worry about the following week once we have done the job, tomorrow against Benetton.”
Bulls starting XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse; 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Embrose Papier; 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Nizaam Carr; 5 Ruan Nortje (capt), 4 Ruan Vermaak; 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp. Replacements: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Jannes Kirsten, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Chris Smith, 23 Sergeal Petersen.
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