SA RUGBY WOMEN’S PREMIER DIVISION: Blue Bulls Women wary of dangerous Boland Dames

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The Blue Bulls Women will be in action this weekend when they take on Boland Dames in an SA Rugby Women’s Premier Division clash at the Boland Stadium in Wellington.

The women from Tshwane have enjoyed a good start to their campaign, claiming three consecutive victories, with the most recent being a 21-13 win over Cell C Sharks Women last weekend, which ensured that they remained unbeaten thus far. The Boland Dames will be looking to bounce back after suffering a 32-15 defeat to defending champions, Border Ladies, in a clash in Mdantsane last Sunday.

The Blue Bulls Women will go into the fixture wary of the dangers posed by the fifth-placed Boland side and will be hoping to improve from the misfortunes from the previous season which saw this weekend’s home side claiming a double, winning both encounters in 2021 – a 23-19 win in Pretoria and a 21-0 victory in Wellington.

The match will kick-off at 13h00 on Saturday.

 The Blue Bulls Women’s team to face Boland Dames is:

STARTERS (15-1):
Nonnie Shongwe, Kirsten Eastes, Daphne Scheepers, Lynn Subke, Elizabeth Jansen van Rensburg, Rumandi Potgieter, Vuyolwethu Vazi, Thandeka Shongwe, Kyla de Vries, Anathi Qolo, Sibonelo Letsela, Zandile Khumalo, Thantaswa Macingwane, Lebogang Ralebona.

IMPACT (16-23):
Tyler-Jane Coleman, Doreen Mkhabela, Thulisile Bukula, Feranah Burger, Nthabiseng Marutla, Mahlatse Nkhumishe, Seshile Maguga, Layla Arrison.  

VODACOM URC: Brutal scrum battle expected against Ospreys in crucial Vodacom URC clash

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The Vodacom Bulls expect a tough battle when they face Ospreys in a crucial encounter in Swansea on Friday night. While the South African side will be hoping that a win will put them in a good position for a potential home quarter-final, the Welshmen will also have plenty to play for – to claim the Welsh Shield ahead of rivals, Scarlets, will be a priority.

The Vodacom Bulls, among other areas of play, have pin-pointed the scrums, where Ospreys have proven to be potent, as an area that will be hotly contested, believes the side’s in-form loosehead prop, Gerhard Steenekamp.

“They have a very good pack, and we have done our preparation for what lies ahead,” said the 25-year-old front-rower.

“So, we must just ensure we bring out our best this weekend, and that’s all we can do – to give our best.”

Steenekamp also acknowledged the importance of having former Scarlets and Vodacom Bulls legend, Werner Kruger, as part of the team’s coaching personnel. The retired prop’s knowledge of Welsh rugby and scrums has proven invaluable for the Vodacom Bulls.

“It’s (scrums) one aspect of the game that we’ve really worked hard on, and I think it’s because we have a pack that’s played longer together – so we are also getting our rhythm,” said Steenekamp.

“It really helps a lot having someone like Werner Kruger in our camp. He recently played in Wales, so he knows their mindset. All that insight and knowledge helps, and our scrum is something we have really worked on.”

The match will be played at the Swansea.com Stadium, kicking off at 21h10 (SA time) and it will be televised on SuperSport.

The Vodacom Bulls will later today announce their match-day squad for the encounter.

 

VODACOM URC: Strong 28-man Vodacom Bulls squad for Ospreys clash

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A 28-man Vodacom Bulls squad will be preparing for their crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship against Ospreys in Swansea this week. Although a playoff spot has already been secured, the Tshwane-based side travels to Wales where they will want to put themselves in a good position for a potential home quarter-final spot, depending on permutations of other exciting fixtures this weekend, should they secure a victory in their final round-robin match on Friday night.

Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has selected a strong group for the one-week tour which includes one of the side’s newest recruits, Ruan Vermaak, who joined the side late last week from Japanese team, NTT Red Hurricanes.

“We have an important tour where we will face a dangerous Ospreys team in their own backyard. We are at a crucial stage of the competition – the business end of the round-robin stages and on the verge of the playoffs, with plenty to play for in terms of securing home quarter-final spots,” said White.

“Be that as it may, the focus is on playing well as a group this week and to start building good momentum going into the playoffs.”

The match will be played at the Swansea.com (Liberty) Stadium, kicking off at 21h10 on Friday.

The Vodacom Bulls 28-man touring squad is:

FORWARDS (16):
Arno Botha, Bismarck du Plessis, Cyle Brink, Dylan Smith, Elrigh Louw, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Janko Swanepoel, Johan Grobbelaar, Marcell Coetzee (CAPT), Mornay Smith, Robert Hunt, Ruan Nortje, Ruan Vermaak, Simphiwe Matanzima, Walt Steenkamp.

BACKS (12):
Canan Moodie, Chris Smith, Cornal Hendricks, David Kriel, Embrose Papier, Harold Vorster, Juan Mostert, Keagan Johannes, Madosh Tambwe, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Stedman Gans, Zak Burger

Vodacom Bulls secure star Springbok S’busiso Nkosi!

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The Vodacom Bulls confirmed yesterday that they have made a key inclusion to their player resource with the signing of Springbok winger, S’busiso Nkosi. The 2019 World Cup-winning star is set to join the side from Tshwane-based side from July 1, where he will be set to make a positive contribution to the team when they kick-off their second season in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship which will begin in the second half of the year.

“We are obviously delighted to have a player of Sbu Nkosi’s calibre joining our ranks at the Vodacom Bulls,” said Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.

“He is a proven quality player who is respected internationally based on his track record for the Cell C Sharks and on the international stage for the Springboks. To be able to secure the services of a World Cup-winning player will be a big boost for us. We are confident that we have plenty to gain from Nkosi where he will contribute alongside some of our senior players and also be able to impart his knowledge and experience onto our young talent, whom I am convinced will be eager to learn from him.”

The 26-year-old Nkosi was born in the Mpumalanga town of Barberton and completed his schooling at Jeppe High School for Boys.

In 2016 the elusive winger was part of the Junior Springbok team that finished fourth at the World Rugby Under-20 Championship in Manchester, England. He then went on to represent the Cell C Sharks, making over 60 appearances for the coastal side before signing for the Vodacom Bulls.

Nkosi has represented the Springboks since 2018, earning a total of 16 caps so far.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Vodacom Bulls, where I will play alongside some of the most exciting talent in the country while working under some of the globally respected coaches,” responded Nkosi.

“I have had some of my best years at the Cell C Sharks where I also became a Springbok. I think I have served my time and contributed what I could at the franchise. I am most grateful to the Cell C Sharks – the coaches, players and staff – for some of the most memorable years in Durban and the support given to me. Of course, the fans have always been a big part of my career. Without their support I would never have enjoyed my time over the years as I have done.

“I now have an opportunity for a fresh start in Tshwane, where I hope to make a positive impact and give my best in the effort to assist the Vodacom Bulls remaining a force in South African rugby and also becoming one of the top rugby sides globally.”

Nkosi will join the Vodacom Bulls at the conclusion of the current Vodacom United Rugby Championship season and will officially become part of the team on July 1.

CARLING CURRIE CUP: Vodacom Bulls fully focused on Sigma Lions Carling Currie Cup clash

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The Vodacom Bulls are fully focused on their upcoming Carling Currie Cup fixture against cross-Jukskei rivals, the Sigma Lions, when the two sides meet at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

With the side from Tshwane having cemented a spot in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoffs, and also holding a commanding position in the Carling Currie Cup, which is also nearing the knockout stages, much talk in the public has been around the team being on the verge of playing playoff matches in two competitions.

However, Vodacom Bulls’ lock, Janko Swanepoel, stressed that his side was fully focused on this weekend’s domestic derby despite the team having to travel to Swansea in Wales next week for a crucial Vodacom URC encounter against Ospreys.

“All the focus is on the Sigma Lions this week, because every game in the Carling Currie Cup is important for us, just to keep that top spot on the log,” said Swanepoel ahead of Saturday’s game.

“We take it game for game, and after the Sigma Lions, then we will start focusing on the Ospreys game.”

The Vodacom Bulls are on the back of an important 48-38 win over the Windhoek Draught Griquas last weekend at home. Despite the bonus-point win, the side had a few lessons to take from the game, including not letting their guard down before the final whistle.

“So, for us, it is important to focus for the full 80 minutes. We need to begin like we did against Windhoek Draught Griquas last week and just stick to that. We are chasing the full 80 minutes this weekend against the Sigma Lions,” said the Vodacom Bulls lock.

The opposition for this weekend may not have had the best of results so far this season, but the 22-year-old Swanepoel believes that does not take away the danger posed by the side from Johannesburg when they square up.

“We cannot take the Lions lightly,” said the second-rower.

“We saw how they played last week. They almost beat the Toyota Cheetahs (losing 35-26). It was just the discipline that cost them in the final few minutes of the second half.

“So, we must just prepare for a tough game, and you can never know what might happen.”

Swanepoel has been an instrumental figure in the Vodacom Bulls team this season – both in the Carling Currie Cup, where he has featured as one of the frontline players and in the Vodacom URC, where he has often provided cover for the evergreen duo of Ruan Nortje and Walt Steenkamp.

He will once again prove to be a crucial cog in the Blue Machine forwards pack when they take on their Jukskei rivals.

The Vodacom Bulls will name their team for the match on Friday.

The match will kick off at 17h00 on Saturday and it will be televised on SuperSport.

CARLING CURRIE CUP: Strong onslaught expected from Windhoek Draught Griquas in Carling Currie Cup clash

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The Vodacom Bulls expect a tough encounter when they take on Windhoek Draught Griquas in a Carling Currie Cup clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. The side from Kimberley has been one of the strongest competitors in the domestic South African competition and currently occupy a spot in the top four positions on the log, alongside their opponents for the weekend, the Vodacom Bulls, as well as the unbeaten Toyota Cheetahs and Cell C Sharks.

The last time the Vodacom Bulls and Windhoek Draught Griquas squared up, it was the side from Pretoria that claimed the bragging rights with an encouraging 27-53 victory.

The side from the Northern Cape has since registered two back-to-back victories over the Sigma Lions, indicating their intentions of being challengers for the Carling Currie Cup title.

Vodacom Bulls assistant coach, Pine Pienaar, is wary of the threat that their opponents will pose in the return match on Saturday afternoon.

“This weekend we expect a strong onslaught from the Windhoek Draught Griquas,” he said ahead of the match.

“They are currently doing really well, and they had a great win against the Sigma Lions in Kimberley. On that day the Sigma Lions had a couple of their Vodacom URC players in the mix.”

With the Vodacom Bulls on a break in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship before their next fixture against Ospreys in Wales on Friday, May 20, the side is likely to make use of some of the players who have been in action in the cross-hemisphere competition this weekend while also attempting to find a balance in resting a few of their playing personnel.

“There will be guys resting this weekend, but there will also be some guys coming in for the Carling Currie Cup,” said Pienaar.

“For us it is about how well we can plan and how well we can manage our players.”

With the Vodacom Bulls sitting on top of the Carling Currie Cup table at the moment, many will believe that side from Tshwane is well on their way to defend their back-to-back titles in the domestic competition. However, the team is adamant that there is still plenty to play for before the playoff stages.

In addition, the side has also secured a spot in the Vodacom URC playoffs which will run concurrently with the finals stages of the Carling Currie Cup. Squad management will prove crucial as the side vies for success in both competitions.

“We see the Carling Currie Cup as a very important competition to play in. We are not in the semi-finals yet,” said Pienaar.

“We have four games left, starting with a quality challenge against Griquas. When we get closer to the Toyota Cheetahs game (the final round robin fixture) and then the semi-final and final, coach Jake White and coach Gert Smal will plan what to do.

“The challenge then will be the [Vodacom URC] semi-final and final that could potentially be overseas. But currently, we are just looking forward to this coming weekend and our planning.”

Coach Gert Smal will, on Friday, announce his team to take on the Windhoek Draught Griquas in their Carling Currie Cup encounter.

The match will kick off at 17h00 and will be televised on SuperSport.

VODACOM URC: Few changes for Vodacom Bulls ahead of Glasgow Warriors clash

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James Verity-Amm will earn a starting berth for the Vodacom Bulls when they take on Glasgow Warriors in a crucial Vodacom United Rugby Championship match at Loftus Versfeld tonight.

The Vodacom Bulls have made four changes to their backline for the clash in addition to a solitary personnel change in the forwards pack.

Verity-Amm, who has shown some fine form for the Tshwane-based side in the domestic Carling Currie Cup, has received an opportunity to start on the right wing this weekend.

The young and talented Canan Moodie, who has proven himself as a solid outside back who featured on the wing so far this season, will show his versatility when he starts at fullback.

The Vodacom Bulls will also have a changed half-back pairing which will see Zak Burger combining with the experienced Morne Steyn.

Hardman, Arno Botha, makes a return to the starting XV where he will do the No7 jersey.

A strong bench will see the return of Harold Vorster to action after missing last weekend’s game against Benetton Rugby, while Cyle Brink will be providing loose-forward cover.

“We have a tough task ahead of us this Friday,” said Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.

“Despite their defeat to the DHL Stormers last week, Glasgow Warriors are a formidable side that we expect will bring a huge challenge for us. They are a well-coached group with several highly talented internationals in their squad.

“We will need to be alert and be at our best for the entire 80 minutes.”

The match between the Vodacom Bulls and Glasgow Warriors will kick off at 19h00 and it will be televised on SuperSport.

Tickets for the match are available from R25 on www.ticketpros.co.za and at the Loftus Versfeld ticket office. Entertainment on the day will include pre-match social drinks at Blu Bar behind the Eastern Stand, opening at 16h00, and an afterparty in Castle Corner featuring the mysterious DJ Paradox.

 

The Vodacom Bulls team to face Glasgow Warriors is:

STARTERS (15-1): Canan Moodie (Pretoria), James Verity-Amm (Pretoria), Lionel Mapoe (Pretoria), Cornal Hendricks (Northam Rhinos), Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria), Morne Steyn (Tuine), Zak Burger (Tuine); Elrigh Louw (UP Tuks), Arno Botha (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Marcell Coetzee (CAPT, ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion), Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion), Johan Grobbelaar (UP Tuks), Gerhard Steenekamp (ABE Midas Naka Bulle).

IMPACT (16-23): Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Pretoria), Simphiwe Matanzima (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Dylan Smith (Tuine), Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria), Cyle Brink (Betway Centurion), Embrose Papier (UP Tuks), Chris Smith (Harlequins), Harold Vorster (Northam Rhinos).

VODACOM URC: Botha, Mapoe back in Vodacom Bulls starting XV for fiery Dragons clash

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The Vodacom Bulls have made three changes to their team that will face the Dragons in a Vodacom United Rugby Championship Round 14 encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday night.

The Tshwane-based side will square up against the visiting side that has been bolstered by the return of some of their international players who have recently been on duty with the Welsh side at the Six Nations.

Dragons were, on their trip to South Africa earlier in the week, joined by Wales trio Ben Carter, Leon Brown, and Rhodri Williams.

The Vodacom Bulls, who have claimed crucial victories in their previous two Vodacom URC games against visiting teams at Loftus – a 29-24 win over Munster Rugby a fortnight ago, and a 57-12 win against Scarlets last week – will be hoping to make it three consecutive wins at home, and four on the trot after also beating Zebre Rugby 7-45 in Italy last month.

Marcell Coetzee will once again lead his charges this week in a match the Vodacom Bulls expect to a testing encounter.

The home team will see the return of Arno Botha to the starting XV, where he will start at No8, replacing Elrigh Louw.

In the backline, Embrose Papier will start at scrumhalf, with Zak Burger providing cover from the bench, while Lionel Mapoe returns to the outside centre where he replaces Cornal Hendricks, who will come on from the bench this week.

“This week we are up against a Dragons side that has welcomed back at least three of their internationals from Welsh duty, so that is a reflection of the strong team we will be facing,” said Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, ahead of the game.

“This is a side that is well-coached and has shown how dangerous they can be. They will be motivated to do well and begin their tour of South Africa on a positive note. We will need to be at our very best if we intend to stop this side that can pose a real challenge.”

The match will kick off at 19h15 and it will be televised on SuperSport.

The Vodacom Bulls to take on Dragons is:

STARTERS (15-1): Kurt-Lee Arendse (Betway Centurion), Canan Moodie (Pretoria), Lionel Mapoe (Pretoria), Harold Vorster (Northam Rhinos), Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria), Chris Smith (Harlequins), Embrose Papier (UP Tuks); Arno Botha (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Cyle Brink (Betway Centurion), Marcell Coetzee (CAPT, ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion), Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine), Johan Grobbelaar (UP Tuks), Gerhard Steenekamp (ABE Midas Naka Bulle).

IMPACT (16-23):
Joe van Zyl (Harlequins), Simphiwe Matanzima (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion), Reinhardt Ludwig (UP Tuks), WJ Steenkamp (Tuine); Zak Burger (Tuine), Morne Steyn (Tuine), Cornal Hendricks (Northam Rhinos)

VODACOM URC: Vodacom Bulls wary of Dragons’ international returnees

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With the possibility of unleashing their international players who were recently on national duty for Wales, the Dragons are expected to provide a tough challenge for the Vodacom Bulls when the two sides meet at Loftus Versfeld in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter on Saturday night.

Following the conclusion of the Six Nations, the Welsh side will have their internationals available for selection, and this will be a welcomed boost for the visitors who have had some close and good performances so far this season.

Among their most memorable fixtures so far this season will be their 22-35 away win over Connacht, their 13-all draw against Benetton, alongside some close defeats to some outstanding sides which include a 6-7 loss to Leinster and a 23-27 defeat in their Welsh derby against Ospreys.

“The Dragons have put up some good performances – one against Ulster (a 0-12 defeat), where they were very good in that game. They were outstanding against Leinster the week after we played them, then they slipped up against Munster (a 64-3 defeat on March 5),” said Vodacom Bulls’ forwards’ coach, Russell Winter, ahead of the weekend’s game.

“They can be very unpredictable, and we don’t want to be complaisant at all. We are preparing as normal, trying to make sure that we are ready.

“We don’t want to slip up against them. They will have their international players back after the weekend. We know that their Welsh side lost against Italy, but I’m sure that those guys are really good players.

“The Welsh are passionate rugby players and supporters. They will come here wanting to play very well. We are going to have to make sure that we don’t become complaisant in any way or form.”

Despite having managed to secure back-to-back wins against Munster Rugby and Scarlets in the previous Vodacom URC matches, the Vodacom Bulls are expecting a tough contest this week against the visiting Welsh side.

A brutal battle is expected from the two forward packs who have both shown their capabilities so far this season.

“We have a lot of respect for the overseas sides, it must be said,” Winter emphasised.

“I know their coach, Dean Ryan, who was at Newcastle, where I also played. He is a tough man and I assume he is a tough coach as well. So, that pack will be a hardened pack, and they will definitely come at us, there is no doubt in my mind.

“We are expecting a tough game on Saturday. We know that their pack will be up for it. They are a big pack as well, so we are expecting a big battle up front.”

The Vodacom Bulls will announce their team to play the Dragons on Friday.

The match will kick off at 19h15 on Saturday and will be televised on SuperSport.

CARLING CURRIE CUP: Gqoboka to lead exciting Vodacom Bulls team in Jukskei derby

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Lizo Gqoboka will lead an exciting Vodacom Bulls side that will take on the Sigma Lions in a Carling Currie Cup clash in Johannesburg on Wednesday.

The Vodacom Bulls on Tuesday announced a youthful team, with Gqoboka as the captain, that will travel south of the Jukskei for the domestic derby at Emirates Airline Park.

“We are very fortunate to have several players with great leadership qualities in the Vodacom Bulls squad, and Lizo has been one of those senior players who have always provided leadership in both the Carling Currie Cup and the Vodacom URC. We look forward to him, alongside Stedman Gans as vice-captain, leading this exciting team on Wednesday,” said Vodacom Bulls head coach, Gert Smal.

“We are pleased that we can give a few of our more youthful players an opportunity this week, be it in the starting lineup or on the bench.

“We do not doubt that we have a tough challenge ahead of us against a Sigma Lions team that will be motivated and will be tough opponents on Wednesday night. We will need to be at our best and will need to execute the plans we have been working hard on in the build-up to the match well.”

The match will kick off at 20h00 on Wednesday and will be televised on SuperSport.

The Vodacom Bulls team to face the Sigma Lions is:

STARTERS (15-1): David Kriel (Betway Centurion), Sibongile Novuka (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Stedman Gans (Northam Rhinos), Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria), Stravino Jacobs (Harlequins), Juan Mostert
(Harlequins), Bernard van der Linde (Betway Centurion), Muller Uys (UP Tuks), Werner Gouws (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), WJ Steenkamp (Tuine), Reinhardt Ludwig (UP Tuks), Raynard Roets (UP Tuks), Robert Hunt (Harlequins), Schalk Erasmus (Tuine), Lizo Gqoboka (CAPT, ABE Midas Naka Bulle).

IMPACT (16-23): Joe van Zyl (Harlequins), Cebo Dlamini (Harlequins), Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion), Ruan Delport (Betway Centurion), Jaco Labuschagne (Pretoria), Keagan Johannes (UP Tuks), Morne Steyn (Tuine), James Verity-Amm (Pretoria).