Vodacom Bulls team to face Crusaders

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Fifty up for Kriel as Agaba makes Vodacom Bulls debut

Springbok midfielder Jesse Kriel will play in his 50th Vodacom Super Rugby match and Springbok Sevens forward Tim Agaba in his first when the Vodacom Bulls takes on the Crusaders in Christchurch on Friday.

Kriel debuted for the Vodacom Bulls in 2014 against the Melbourne Rebels and has been on the team sheet ever since.

Agaba, who won bronze at the Olympic Games and gold in the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series with the Springbok Sevens team, will start at no8 for the Vodacom Bulls in his debut in one of three changes to the starting team that were edged by the Chiefs in Hamilton last weekend.

In the other, Embrose Papier is in the starting line-up for the first time, replacing the injured Andre Warner and Jason Jenkins comes in for RG Snyman at lock.

On the bench, Vodacom Bulls coach, John Mitchell, included two new faces in Ivan van Zyl and Hendre Stassen, and recalled Frans van Wyk as the replacement tighthead. Van Zyl moved into the spot vacated by Papier and Stassen, who is also on debut, will take over from Jenkins as back-up lock.

Van Wyk replaces the suspended Conraad van Vuuren.

Coach Mitchell has a strong message to the team if they want to return victorious from Christchurch.

“To beat the Crusaders, you need to outwork them. That will not be easy, as they have a tremendous work ethic as a team. We are not on this journey to become a better team because it is easy, so we must be prepared to play for all 80 minutes and play every big moment to the best of our ability.”

Vodacom Bulls captain, Burger Odendaal, pointed to his team’s desire to win and their attitude as guidelines to success in Christchurch, a venue the Vodacom Bulls have not been very successful in the past.

“We need the right attitude as that will drive our efforts. We have a saying that winning together is better than winning alone. This will require a massive team effort, but we can do it,” Odendaal said.

 

The Vodacom Bulls team (with Vodacom Super Rugby caps and points) is: Warrick Gelant (22, 35), Travis Ismaiel (32, 45), Jesse Kriel (49, 35), Burger Odendaal (c; 35, 15), Divan Rossouw (3, 10), Handre Pollard (35, 321), Embrose Papier (4, 0), Tim Agaba (0, 0), Hanro Liebenberg (22, 15), Roelof Smit (17, 5), Lood de Jager (54, 15), Jason Jenkins (30, 25), Trevor Nyakane (83, 15), Jaco Visagie (24, 5), Pierre Schoeman (28, 10). Replacements: Adriaan Strauss (147, 70), Lizo Gqoboka (30, 10), Frans van Wyk (5, 0), Hendre Stassen (0, 0), Marco van Staden (4, 0), Ivan van Zyl (6, 0), Manie Libbok (1, 0), Johnny Kotze (23, 15).

 

Fast Facts:

  • Adriaan Strauss will extend his South African record for Vodacom Super Rugby appearances to 148 when he takes to the field. He will also equal Victor Matfield’s record as the most capped South African Vodacom Super Rugby player.
  • Tim Agaba and Hendre Stassen will make their Vodacom Bulls and Vodacom Super Rugby debuts when they take to the field.

ODENDAAL BACK TO LEAD VODACOM BULLS IN HAMILTON

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Vodacom Bulls captain, Burger Odendaal, is back in the starting line-up to face the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday after missing the previous two Vodacom Super Rugby clashes against the Emirates Lions and Reds due to injury.

He takes over the captaincy from Handré Pollard and the inside centre berth from Johnny Kotze for this match, the first of two the visitors will play in New Zealand.

Vodacom Bulls Head Coach, John Mitchell, made a number of changes to the team that came up short against the Reds in Brisbane, with the return of Odendaal the most significant.

Mitchell opted for Divan Rossouw on the left wing, where he replaces Duncan Matthews in the other change to the backline. Up front, Trevor Nyakane comes in for Frans van Wyk at tighthead and Thembelani Bholi is back at flank, with Hanro Liebenberg moving to no8 where he takes over from injured Nic de Jager.

De Jager had to return home due to a broken rib and his replacement, Tim Agaba, is bracketed as a replacement with Jason Jenkins, who played off the bench in Brisbane.

A final call on Jenkins, who has a niggle, will be make closer to the game and if he is ruled out, Agaba is due to make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut for the Vodacom Bulls.

Mitchell also tweaked his finishers for this clash. Conraad van Vuuren is back on the bench in place of promoted Nyakane, while Manie Libbok is another potential debutant for the Vodacom Bulls. He comes in Marnitz Boshoff, while Kotze will cover the midfield and outside backs.

“This is a fantastic opportunity for us playing the Chiefs in Hamilton,” said Mitchell, who represented Waikato as a player.

“They have been one of the leading teams in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition over the last couple of years and this is a massive step-up from where we were a year ago. We have definite plans on how to approach this match and how to try to beat the Chiefs. We will have to do a couple of things well to achieve that, including playing as a unit,” Mitchell said.

Mitchell was excited about the possible debut for Libbok. “Manie is such an exciting talent and I believe he will make an impact in this tournament.”

It will also be 50 up for Adriaan Strauss. The hooker will play in his 50th match for the Vodacom Bulls (97 for Toyota Cheetahs as well) and will extend his South African record for Vodacom Super Rugby appearances as a hooker to 147 when he takes to the field.

Odendaal was confident about the squad’s mental and physical approach.

“We are ready to go and show our abilities. For us to win here, our courage and determination will be tested, but knowing this squad and the way we are developing as a group, I have enough confidence to know that we will be very competitive on Friday.”

The team (with Vodacom Super Rugby caps and points) is: Warrick Gelant (21, 30), Travis Ismaiel (31, 45), Jesse Kriel (48, 35), Burger Odendaal (c; 34, 15)), Divan Rossouw (2, 0), Handré Pollard (34, 308), Andre Warner (5, 5), Hanro Liebenberg (v/c; 21, 15), Thembelani Bholi (18, 5), Roelof Smit (16, 5), Lood de Jager (53, 15), RG Snyman (28, 10), Trevor Nyakane (82, 15), Jaco Visagie (23, 5), Pierre Schoeman (27, 10). Replacements: Adriaan Strauss (146, 70), Lizo Gqoboka (29, 10), Conraad van Vuuren (8, 0), Jason Jenkins (29, 25) /Tim Agaba (0, 0), Marco van Staden (3, 0), Embrose Papier (3, 0), Manie Libbok (0, 0), Johnny Kotze (22, 15).

Statistics:

Adriaan Strauss will play in his 50th match for the Vodacom Bulls (97 for Toyota Cheetahs as well) and will extend his South African record for Vodacom Super Rugby appearances as a hooker to 147.

Manie Libbok will make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut for the Vodacom Bulls and in the competition when he takes to the field.

Tim Agaba will make his Vodacom Super Rugby debut for the Vodacom Bulls and in the competition when he takes to the field.

In all, 10 players return to Hamilton after the Vodacom Bulls lost 28-12 in last year’s clash against the Chiefs. They are Warrick Gelant, Travis Ismaiel, Burger Odendaal, Handre Pollard, Lood de Jager, RG Snyman, Jason Jenkins, Trevor Nyakane, Pierre Schoeman and Adriaan Strauss.

Bulls

Pollard to lead Vodacom Bulls in Brisbane battle

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Pollard to lead Vodacom Bulls in Brisbane battle

 

Handré Pollard will lead the Vodacom Bulls from the flyhalf position when they take on the Reds in Brisbane on Saturday.

 

Pollard took over the captaincy from injured Burger Odendaal last weekend in their Vodacom Super Rugby clash against the Emirates Lions and will continue in that role as the regular captain only returned to training this week.

 

Pollard will start as pivot though, where he comes in for Marnitz Boshoff, after starting at centre against the Emirates Lions. Johnny Kotze will fill the vacancy left by Pollard at inside centre. Duncan Matthews will replace Kotze, who scored in both matches of the tournament so far on the left wing, while Warrick Gelant comes into the backline to start at fullback. He swops places with Divan Rossouw, who moves to the bench.

 

Up front, Vodacom Bulls Head Coach, John Mitchell, moved Nick de Jager to no8, with Hanro Liebenberg moving to the side of the scrum, in place of Thembelani Bholi, who drops out of the match 23 altogether. Jason Jenkins will take De Jager’s place on the bench. Jenkins will make his first appearance in this year’s competition when he takes to the field.

The coach also added Trevor Nyakane to the bench in place on Conraad van Vuuren.

 

“We have a long way to go still, but there are good fundamentals in place at this stage of the race. We have not played in Brisbane since 2013, so it will be a new experience for most of the team. That should create some energy, but I have no doubt that the importance of a good start to our tour will also perk up the players,” Mitchell said.

 

“We have done very well in certain areas of the game so far, but the reality is that our away record is poor. This is something we need to change if we want to become the team we want to be.”

Pollard was optimistic, despite the Reds chasing a second win in as many matches.

“We come into this match well prepared. The coaching staff can only do so much, it is also up to the players to execute and deliver. We have seen glimpses of what we can do; the challenge this week will be to deliver an all-round element to our game. We face a formidable opponent, but believe in who we are and what we can do as a squad.”

The team (with Super Rugby caps and points) is: Warrick Gelant (20; 25); Travis Ismaiel (30; 45), Jesse Kriel (47; 35), Johnny Kotze (21; 15), Duncan Matthews (5; 15), Handré Pollard (c, 33; 304), Andre Warner (4; 0), Nick de Jager (v/c, 20; 15), Hanro Liebenberg (20; 15), Roelof Smit (15; 5), Lood de Jager (52; 15), RG Snyman (27; 10), Frans van Wyk (4; 0), Jaco Visagie (22; 5), Pierre Schoeman (26, 10).  Replacements: Adriaan Strauss (145; 70), Lizo Gqoboka (28, 10), Trevor Nyakane (81; 15), Jason Jenkins (28; 25), Marco van Staden (2; 0), Embrose Papier (2; 0), Marnitz Boshoff (31; 246), Divan Rossouw (2; 0).

VODACOM BULLS TOURING SQUAD TO AUSTRALASIA

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The Vodacom Bulls announced a 27-man touring squad for the Australasian leg of their Vodacom Super Rugby campaign, including 15 forwards and 12 backs. Head coach John Mitchell selected an exciting and well-balanced squad, that he firmly believes are the right men for the job.

The team will first travel to the Suncorp Stadium in Brisbane to take on the Queensland Reds, before heading to New Zealand to take on the Chiefs at the Waikato Stadium, with their final stop in Christchurch facing the mighty Crusaders.

The Vodacom Bulls Super Rugby touring squad 2018:

FORWARDS: Pierre Schoeman, Lizo Gqoboka, Trevor Nyakane, Conraad van Vuuren, Frans van Wyk, Jaco Visagie, Adriaan Strauss, Jason Jenkins, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, Roelof Smit, Marco van Staden, Thembelani Bholi, Hanro Liebenberg, Nic de Jager

BACKS: Andre Warner, Embrose Papier, Handre Pollard, Marnitz Boshoff, Manie Libbok, Burger Odendaal (captain), Jesse Kriel, Johnny Kotze, Travis Imaiel, Divan Rossouw, Warrick Gelant, Duncan Matthews

BULLS

AFGRI Ghana establishes 10 model farms to boost mechanisation

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Ghanaian mechanised agricultural equipment supplier AFGRI Ghana Limited says it has established 10 model farms to teach local farmers the correct ways of using mechanised equipment to maximise on crop yields per hectare.

The company, which is a leading supplier of John Deere farm equipment in Ghana, also plans to export its wide range of products to other countries in West Africa and beyond.

Addressing a recent fishing and farming awards ceremony in the capital Accra, AFGRI Ghana Country Manager Gerrie Jordaan said they will provide capacity building to enable farmers to plan their mechanisation needs, as well as how to find, operate and service essential farm equipment such as tractors.

“The lifetime for most tractors here in Ghana is about 5 years, but the lifespan of a tractor elsewhere could range from anything between 15 and 20 years. We need to educate farmers to take good care of their equipment, so that it can last longer,” Jordan said.

He said the 10 model farms in 5 provinces are expected to help improve yields through better soil preparation and the adoption of modern crop management techniques. The company has since created a credit facility called John Deere Financial to provide low-income farmers with loans to acquire the John Deere brand of mechanised equipment.

“We created the model farms to teach and demonstrate to the farmers that with correct mechanisation, they can use the same input costs to get better crops. Farmers normally yield 1.5 tons to 2 tons per hectare when using traditional ploughing means, but in our model farms, we have been able to get up to 8 tons of crops per hectare,” he said.

KCM plc announces partnership to implement scalable agribusiness alongside its copper mining operations in Zambia

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Konkola Copper Mines plc (“KCM”), a subsidiary of Vedanta Resources plc, has joined forces with AFGRI Agri Services, part of AFGRI Group Holdings, and ImpactAgri (Holdings) Ltd to develop agribusiness in Chililabombwe, Zambia.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, KCM CEO Steven Din said: ‘KCM is one of Zambia’s leading mining companies, but our vision for opportunities on the Copperbelt extends beyond mining. We want to see the creation of new enterprises and new industries that will provide better local sourcing options for our business and greater economic opportunities for Copperbelt residents. That is why we are forming a partnership to develop agribusiness in the region.’’

The aim of the collaboration is to develop agricultural and agro-processing, and in so doing to create employment and protect the ecosystem adjacent to KCM’s mines. The initiative is a core pillar of Vedanta’s vision to help transform the Copperbelt into a strong and resilient regional economic hub that can sustain livelihoods even when copper prices are low.

1,500 hectares of land are initially being set aside for development in Chililabombwe, using AFGRI’s and ImpactAgri’s signature approach to agribusiness, which combines both inclusive farming methods and environmental best practice. A mixture of both high-value and commodity crops will be grown to cater for the local market and to penetrate higher value export markets. The implementing partners aim to create a truly sustainable, commercial, large-scale agribusiness that can deliver strong and positive economic and social impact.

Jon White, CEO of ImpactAgri, said: ‘’Often one of the biggest obstacles to developing agricultural projects in Africa is access to clean water in sufficient quantity. Thanks to the surplus of clean water coming from KCM’s Konkola mine, we have a perfect opportunity to develop local farmers into serious agri-preneurs as part of an organised large-scale, farming system.’’

Vaughan McTaggart, Managing Director of AFGRI Agricultural Development Services (ABBA) said: “We are excited to be joining forces with KCM and ImpactAgri to further our passion for catalysing agricultural production across Africa. We are confident we can make a meaningful contribution to local economic development and food security in Zambia.’’

Agritech Expo Zambia turns 5 this year

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Agritech Expo Zambia will take place from 12 to 14 April 2018 at the GART Research Centre in Chisamba. The expo returns to Zambia for the fifth time and promises new features, more country pavilions, and more free training opportunities.The event is expected to attract more than 22 000 visitors, with more than 270 local and international exhibitors, 3 500 large-scale farmers and 150 members of the media. The expo remains free to visitors that pre-register.

 

Country pavilions from France, Germany, Zimbabwe, Czech Republic and Finland have been confirmed.
“Thanks to the support of the farming community in Zambia, but also in the region, Agritech Expo Zambia has been established as a marketplace for regional and international industry professionals, young agripreneurs and farmers of all scales, to come together in 1 location to conduct exclusive agribusiness transactions while being educated on the latest global industry trends to advance into the next generation of food production,” says Emmanuelle Nicholls, Event Director.

 

The Zambia National Farmers’ Union (ZNFU) is the owner of the event and President Jervis Zimba says “it is our belief that Agritech Expo, which has become the biggest agricultural showpiece in Zambia, will continue unveiling new ideologies and technologies relevant to the growth of our farmers not only in Zambia, but also beyond, that will help lift the poor majority out of poverty; the push behind the creation of the expo. With this in mind, we are expecting an even bigger Agritech Expo in 2018.”

 

NEW FEATURES

Mowing and baling demonstrations
For the first time, Agritech Expo will be showcasing live mowing demonstrations. This new demo area is focusing on quality mechanisation for mowing purposes and will give farming professionals the opportunity to view this equipment in action.

Aquaculture showcase
Aquaculture is a growing market in Sub-Saharan Africa and the expo will be showcasing the regions’ most prominent players in this field.

Live planting demonstrations
These demonstrations will provide the opportunity for companies to practically demonstrate how products work.

Greenhouse showcase
A first-hand opportunity to see the effects and benefits of using a variety of seeds with fertilisers and pesticides to maximise yields.

Value added zone
Boosting commercial opportunities for farming operations by featuring the latest industry trends and solutions on ways to improve quality and enhance yields.

PLENTY TO LEARN, SEE AND DO

Machinery demonstrations
An exciting attraction and a great display of versatility and capability by leading machinery suppliers.

Construction park
Offers visitors a selection of quality construction equipment to suit their agricultural needs.

4×4 test track
Gives visitors the opportunity to test their skills or simply be driven around the track and experience the capability and manoeuvrability of high-end utility vehicles.

Crop trials
Visitors are able to view the yields of seeds from a variety of seed producers and respective agro-chemicals companies.

Energy park
Introduced in 2016 and offers innovative ways to get off the grid amidst the power crisis unfolding in the region.

International pavilions
Agritech has become an internationally acclaimed event, boasting over 39 countries being represented onsite year on year. In 2018, the expo expects to feature over 10 international country pavilions featuring products and solutions from global industry leaders.

Indoor expo
Showcases a variety of local and international agricultural suppliers looking to expand their footprint in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Irrigation zone
Displays a variety of irrigation systems and farming solutions, including centre pivot displays for commercial and small-scale farmers from leading industry suppliers.

Livestock zone
Incorporates various breeders who display their livestock services, species of livestock including goats, cows and sheep, as well as animal feeds and veterinary services.

Centre pivot display
Agritech Expo Zambia is the first agriculturally focused event in Africa to showcase a live centre pivot as part of the show.

AgriTeach workshops
This year the AgriTeach interactive training workshops are launched, presented by industry experts and focused on modernising small-scale farmers. AgriTeach provides access to market information, practical demonstrations and innovations from the latest financial loan models to new agricultural solutions.

Large-scale farmers seminars
Focusing on innovative solutions and initiatives to increase productivity under challenging market conditions.

SME zone
A cost-effective designed area for local based companies to participate in the event and to engage with farming professionals, without having to create a large display area.

VIP Business Lounge
Specifically geared for VIP farmers, government officials, policy makers and media officials to network and conduct meetings, directly with suppliers to the market and vendor companies.

INDUSTRY SUPPORT
Afgri and John Deere are returning as platinum sponsors with Gourock, SARO and Ursus confirmed as gold sponsors.

The expo is organised by Spintelligent, a Cape Town-based trade exhibition and conference organiser, and the African office of Clarion Events Ltd, based in the UK.

Vodacom Bulls team to face DHL Stormers in Wellington

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Snyman, Smit to start for Vodacom Bulls

 

Springboks RG Snyman and Roelof Smit will both start for the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday in Wellington when they face the DHL Stormers in a Vodacom Super Rugby friendly.

 

Snyman has returned from his club duties in Japan recently and Smit, who proved his fitness off the bench last weekend against the Cell C Sharks in Polokwane after an injury lay-off, will both be keen to make an early statement to Vodacom Bulls coach, John Mitchell.

 

The duo represented the Springboks against the British Barbarians in 2016 in a match played in London and both could play significant roles in the Vodacom Bulls pack as Mitchell moulds his squad for the forthcoming Super Rugby tournament.

 

The coach made a number of rotational changes to the side that played the Cell C Sharks in Polokwane last weekend, with the halfback pairing of Andre Warner and Marnitz Boshoff starting and Embrose Papier and Manie Libbok reverting to the bench.

 

Only Divan Rossouw (fullback), the midfield pairing of Burger Odendaal and Johnny Kotze, Hanro Liebenberg (loose forward) and lock Ruben van Heerden has been retained from the starting team, with a host of players who came off the bench in Polokwane now getting a run-on opportunity in the Wellington clash.

 

“A number of players who did not start last weekend get a change to do so this week and will get some valuable game time under the belt,” Mitchell explained.

 

“We are still building towards the start of the competition and our performance will be work in progress towards that. We know we are playing against a very capable side, but that is the whole purpose of matches like these. There is nothing on offer, but so much to learn for both sides.”

 

Kick-off in Wellington is at 16h00.

The squad is: Divan Rossouw, Andell Loubser, Johnny Kotze, Burger Odendaal (c), Duncan Matthews, Marnitz Boshoff, Andre Warner, Jano Venter, Hanro Liebenberg (v/c), Roelof Smit, RG Snyman, Ruben van Heerden, Conraad van Vuuren, Jaco Visagie, Pierre Schoeman. Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Lizo Gqoboka, Frans van Wyk, Lood de Jager, Marco van Staden, Thembelani Bholi, Embrose Papier, Manie Libbok, JT Jackson, Dries Swanepoel, Jade Stighling, Franco Naude.

Vodacom Bulls team to face Cell C Sharks in Polkwane

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Vodacom Bulls coach, John Mitchell, named an exciting 26 man squad for the trip to Polokwane, but has not included Lood de Jager, Jesse Kriel, Handre Pollard or Warrick Gelant, who all toured with the Springboks to Europe in November.

There will also be a return to action for former Springbok captain, Adriaan Strauss. The hooker made a successful comeback to rugby for the Barbarians in November last year after a lay-off following the 2017 Vodacom Super Rugby season.

The match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium kicks off at 18h00 on Saturday.

The squad for Polokwane is: Divan Rossouw, Travis Ismaiel, Johnny Kotze, Burger Odendaal (c), Jade Stighling, Manie Libbok, Embrose Papier, Hanro Liebenberg, Thembelani Bholi, Marco van Staden, Aston Fortuin, Ruben van Heerden, Frans van Wyk, Adriaan Strauss, Lizo Gqoboka. Replacements: Jaco Visagie, Pierre Schoeman, Conraad van Vuuren, Eli Snyman, Jano Venter, Roelof Smit, Andre Warner, Marnitz Boshoff, Franco Naude, Jamba Ulengo, Duncan Matthews.

 

Vodacom Blue Bulls Team to Face Emirates Lions

Boom Prinsloo will lead the Vodacom Blue Bulls team that will travel to Johannesburg to face the Emirates Lions in a warm-up match at Emirates Airline Park that kicks-off at 15h00.

Coach David Manual included a number of players with Vodacom Super Rugby experience in the squad, including the likes of Ulrich Beyers, Dries Swanepoel, Abongile Nonkontwana and Edgar Marutlulle, but will also give playing opportunities to a number of exciting youngsters that excelled in the Vodacom Blue Bulls age group teams last year.

The squad to travel to Johannesburg is: Ulrich Beyers, Irvin Ali, Dries Swanepoel, Heino Bezuidenhout, Andell Loubser, Tony Jantjies, Ginter Smuts, Boom Prinsloo (c), Rickert Korff, Shaun Adendorff, Abongile Nonkontwana, Ewan Coetzee, Matthys Basson, Edgar Marutlulle, Dewald Maritz. Replacements: Nqoba Mxoli, John-Roy Jenkinson, Simphiwe Matanzima, Thomas Meyer, Pieter Diergaardt, Adre Smit, Oderich Mouton, Vaughen Isaacs, Lian du Toit, Garrick Matthews, Jerome Bossr, Christiaan Strydom, Earll Douwrie, Gareth Heidtmann.

VODACOM BULLS ANNOUNCE EXCITING 38 MAN SQUAD

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Vodacom Bulls head coach, John Mitchell, on Monday named 38 players as well the leadership for the 2018 Vodacom Super Rugby season. The coach named midfielder, Burger Odendaal and loose forward, Nic de Jager, as co-captains.

 

The squad is made up out of 21 forwards and 17 backs, with 11 of those being Springboks and furthermore includes a host of Junior Springboks.  Springbok Sevens forward Tim Agaba has also been included and will join the squad after the Blitzboks return from tournaments in Sydney and Hamilton.

 

Only a handful of players do not have any Vodacom Super Rugby experience, among those outside back Divan Rossouw, midfielder JT Jackson, flyhalf Manie Libbok, scrumhalf Embrose Papier and lock Aston Fortuin.

 

The Vodacom Bulls will be involved in 2 warmup matches this weekend as they take on the Cell C Sharks in Polokwane on Saturday at 18h00, and the Emirates Lions in Johannesburg earlier at 15h00.

“We have made tremendous progress with our processes over the last couple of months and we will be ready for whatever comes our way during Super Rugby 2018,” said Mitchell

 

“I don’t want to make any promises on how the team will perform this year, we will be solely focussed on the process.  It’s about marginal gains for us, stacking good stuff on good stuff daily as we continue to ensure excellence.  It’s not about the end but rather the daily effort combined at the end.  Our purpose is to fill Loftus and put smiles on people’s faces.  We will be working very hard to achieve that.”

 

“I am confident that we have worked smartly and laid a solid foundation. This squad will develop and improve and one needs to be realistic about it, but we are all in agreement about the way forward.  We will be connected, we want to be respected and not just liked and therefore one of our main focus areas during this process will be to remain honest and never forget to enjoy it and have fun.  We want to serve our fans, supporters, shareholders and sponsors – we want to earn back their respect and get the Vodacom Bulls to bind us together as one.”

 

The Vodacom Bulls Super Rugby squad is:

Outside Backs: Warrick Gelant, Duncan Matthews, Travis Ismaiel, Jamba Ulengo, Jade Stighling, Divan Rossouw.

Midfielders: Burger Odendaal, JT Jackson, Francois Brummer, Jesse Kriel, Johnny Kotze

Flyhalves: Handre Pollard, Marnitz Boshoff, Manie Libbok

Halfbacks: Ivan van Zyl, Andre Warner, Embrose Papier

Loose Forwards: Roelof Smit, Ruan Steenkamp, Hendre Stassen, Hanro Liebenberg, Jannes Kirsten, Nic de Jager, Tim Agaba.

Locks: Jason Jenkins, Ruben van Heerden, RG Snyman, Lood de Jager, Aston Fortuin.

Props: Pierre Schoeman, Conraad van Vuuren, Frans van Wyk, Matthys Basson, Lizo Gqoboka, Trevor Nyakane.

Hookers: Jaco Visagie, Adriaan Strauss, Edgar Marutlulle

 

NOTE: The BBCo would also like to confirm that we have parted ways with loose forward Jacques Potgieter after lengthy discussions on his future. Potgieter has decided not to partake in Vodacom Super Rugby during 2018, and rather take a sabbatical to focus on his family and spend time with his wife, boy and soon to be born twins.  We would like to sincerely thank him for his contributions to the team both on and off the field, and wish him well with his future endeavours. He will make an announcement later in the year regarding his future.