Bulls unleash big guns for Western Province clash

Head coach Edgar Marutlulle has opted to bring in 14 fresh pairs of legs as the herd prepares to take on arch-rivals, the DHL Western Province, in the classical North-South derby.

Kick-off for the nostalgic meeting is set for 19h05pm, on Friday 17 March 2023.

The forwards' pack will see Gerhard Steenekamp slotting into loose-head prop as Mornay Smith starts at tight-head, both flanking Johann Grobbelaar at hooker. The second row will feature Ruan Vermaak and club captain, Ruan Nortje lining up at lock. Marco van Staden (blind-side), Cyle Brink (open-side), and Elrigh Louw (eight-man) complete the back row.

Scrum-half, Zak Burger and fly-half, Chris Smith will link up as the half-back pairing with Harold Vorster (inside) and Cornal Hendricks (outside) directing traffic at the centre.

Sbu Nkosi and Quewin Nortje will line up at left and right wing respectively. The backs will have David Kriel marshalling the troops from the back.

The changes remain part of the rotation plan as well as the need to ensure that all players have sufficient game time as the club heads into the final rounds of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship season as well as the knockout stages of the Heineken Champions Cup.

VODACOM BULLS vs DHL WESTERN PROVINCE STARTING XV:1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Johann Grobbelaar, 3. Mornay Smith, 4. Ruan Vermaak, 5. Ruan Nortje (c), 6. Marco van Staden, 7. Cyle Brink, 8. Elrigh Louw, 9. Zak Burger, 10. Chris Smith, 11. Sbu Nkosi, 12. Harold Vorster, 13. Cornal Hendricks, 14. Quewin Nortje, 15. David Kriel

VODACOM BULLS IMPACT SQUAD:16. Simphiwe Matanzima, 17. Bismarck du Plessis, 18. Francois Kloppers, 19. Janko Swanepoel, 20. WJ Steenkamp, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Morne Steyn, 23. Stedman Gans