Nomlomo backs Bulls' young talent against WP

In a clear indication of his confidence in youth, Vodacom Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo plans to unleash seven debutants, among them six Under-21s, in Saturday’s season-opening Carling Currie Cup match against Western Province (5.10pm kick-off).

“The players have trained well,” said Nomlomo ahead of the new season. The 23-man squad for the weekend appears rich with promise, led by breakdown fiend Nama Xaba, who will have experienced players like Marvin Orie, Zak Burger, Jeandré Rudolph to call on.

The seven debutants are Shaun Schurmann, Jean Erasmus, Jaco Grobbelaar, Dylan de Leeuw, Steven Nel, PA van Niekerk and Marco Ferreira.

Vodacom Bulls starting XV: 15 Henry Immelman, 14 Katlego Letebele, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Chris Barend Smit, 11 Stravino Jacobs; 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Zak Burger; 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Nama Xaba (capt); 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Sintu Manjezi; 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Joe van Zyl, 1 Dylan Smith. Replacements: 16 Shaun Schurmann, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Jean Erasmus, 19 Jaco Grobbelaar, 20 Dylan de Leeuw, 21 Steven Nel, 22 PA van Niekerk, 23 Marco Ferreira.

DHL Western Province v Vodacom Bulls - Saturday @ DHL Stadium, Cape Town (5.10pm)

Referee: Sean Muller

Broadcast: SuperSport Rugby