New captain, new line-up for hungry Bulls

Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has shaken things up ahead of Friday evening’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship fixture against Connacht in Galway.

This follows last weekend’s defeat to Ulster, the first of the season.

In all, there are 11 changes in the starting line-up, including captaincy and key positions like front row, locks and backs.

There are also six new inclusions on the bench, reflecting a strong rotation.

Leadership changes, too, with Reinhardt Ludwig now captain and David Kriel vice-captain.

The front row sees Gerhard Steenekamp out, Alu Tshakweni in at loosehead prop; Johann Grobbelaar out and Jan-Hendrik Wessels moved from the bench to hooker.

Among the locks Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg has been replaced by Ludwig, while the backrow changes see Marco van Staden and Mpilo Gumede moved and JJ Theron and Nama Xaba introduced.

Paul de Wet and Keagan Johannes come in at halfback with Harold Vorster replaced by Jan Serfontein in the centre, with Kriel back. Handre Pollard has returned to SA for personal family reasons.

Willie le Roux will start at fullback and Canan Moodie will fill the right wing berth.

Connacht arrive for this fixture having struggled recently in the URC, with only two wins in their last eight matches and both against Italian opposition. Despite this, the Irish province remain competitive at home, losing just once in their last four Championship games there, a 31-21 setback against Edinburgh last year.

Connacht’s record against South African teams, however, is less impressive, with just one victory from their last seven encounters, a narrow 36-30 win over the Sharks in Galway in September 2024.

The Bulls face a stern test after their unbeaten start to the current season was halted by the 28-7 loss to Ulster last weekend. The Bulls have lost their last two away games and have not suffered three consecutive away defeats since October 2023.

Historically, the two sides have clashed four times, with the Bulls holding the upper hand in three wins. Their only loss was a 34-7 defeat in Galway in 2021, adding greater significance to this encounter as they seek to regain momentum.

Connacht Rugby head coach Stuart Lancaster said: “The Vodacom Bulls are a formidable side, with a strong blend of power up front and pace in the back field. They were BKT URC finalists for a reason last year, and we’re expecting a response after their defeat in Ulster last week. With the fans behind us, the three returning Lions and a much-improved performance, it should make for a great game.”

Ackermann stated: “I’m surprised Connacht lost to Cardiff after a strong first game. They’re a quality team, like Ulster, with big ball carriers and Stuart Lancaster coaching. With several British & Irish Lions returning, they’ll be strong and motivated after a home loss. It’s a tough challenge in difficult conditions, so we must prepare fully for a hard-fought match.”

Vodacom Bulls starting XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Dawid Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Sebastian de Klerk; 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Paul de Wet; 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 JJ Theron, 6 Nama Xaba; 5 Reinhardt Ludwig (capt), 4 Cobus Wiese; 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Alu Tshakweni. Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Harold Vorster, 23 Stravino Jacobs.

FRIDAY

Connacht Rugby v Vodacom Bulls

Dexcom Stadium, Galway – KO 7.45pm IRE & UK/8.45pm ITA & SA

Referee: Mike Adamson (SRU, 93rd league game)

AR 1: Andrew Cole (IRFU) AR 2: Jack MacNeice (IRFU)

TMO: Hollie Davidson (SRU)

Live on: TG4, Premier Sports, SuperSport, Flo Rugby & URC.tv