Van der Walt starts at No 10 for Bulls against Sharks

In perhaps the most significant change to the Vodacom Bulls line-up for their second Carling Currie Cup match, against the Hollywoodbets Sharks on Saturday, coach Phiwe Nomlomo has drafted in Jaco van der Walt at flyhalf with in-form Boeta Chamberlain shifted to fullback.

With a handful of players nursing injuries, Nomlomo also opted for a frontrow change – Juann Else coming in for Joe van Zyl at hooker – and has given Springbok Aphiwe Dyantyi his first start of the season, in the No 14 jersey.

Both Henry Immelman, the fullback and Van Zyl picked up niggles last weekend. Dyantyi, meanwhile, returns from injury.

In a further nod to youth, Nomlomo has named three debutants on the bench in the shape of Esethu Mnebelele, Ruan Swart and JJ Theron.

Nomlomo believes the Sharks will be much improved after their season-opening defeat last weekend. “Without a doubt, they’ll be 10 percent better. It will be a tough game. People mustn’t get the false hope that the Sharks are this and that ... they’re still a darn good team, well coached, who won the Cup last year with youngsters initially.”

Vodacom Bulls starting XV: 15 Boeta Chamberlain, 14 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Chris Barend Smit, 11 Stravino Jacobs; 10 Jaco van der Walt, 9 Zak Burger; 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Junior Pokomela, 6 Nama Xaba (capt); 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Sintu Manjezi; 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Dylan Smith. Replacements: 16 Esethu Mnebelele, 17 Ruan Swart, 18 Jean Erasmus, 19 Dylan de Leeuw, 20 JJ Theron, 21 Steven Nel, 22 PA van Niekerk, 23 Cornel Smit.

Hollywoodbets Sharks XV starting XV: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Phiko Sobahle, 13 Litelihle Bester, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Jaco Williams; 10 Jean Smith, 9 Bradley Davids; 8 Nick Hatton (capt), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere; 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Corne Rahl; 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Bryce Calvert, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Simphiwe Ngobese, 18 Dian Heunis, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Matt Ramao, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Simphiwe Moyo, 23 Albie Bester.

Vodacom Bulls v Hollywoodbets Sharks XV - Saturday @ Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria (5.10pm)

Referee: Sean Muller

Broadcast: SuperSport Rugby