Die jaarlikse Balfour-hooidag word op die grond van PJ Kriek en Seuns (oorkant AFGRI-Palmietfontein-bunker) naby Balfour angebied. Die Hooidag, in samewerking met AFGRI, vind plaas op 18 Januarie. Kom ervaar eerstehands ‘n wye verskeidenheid hooimaaktoerusting in aksie!
Be sure to catch the Vodacom Bulls in action on Supersport 211, as our favourite team plays against the Bristol Bears on 13 January in the Investec Champions Cup! The match takes place at Ashton Gate in Bristol, England, and kicks off at 17:15pm local time.
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Club co-captain, Marcell Coetzee returns from serving his suspension as the Vodacom Bulls begin their 2023/24 Investec Champions Cup campaign against three-time competition champions, Saracens of England. The two clubs will meet – for the first time – at Loftus Versfeld Stadium tomorrow, 8 December 2023 (19h30 kick-off) in what is touted to be a match for the memories under the African skies.
Coetzee will get a run from the impact squad where he forms part of a five-three split impact squad that also features forwards Simphiwe Matanzima, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith and Deon Slabbert as well as backs Zak Burger, Jaco van der Walt and Sergeal Petersen who returns to the matchday 23-fold.
The herd remains unchanged up in front with Gerhard Steenekamp (loose-head), Akker van der Merwe (hooker) and tight-head prop Wilco Louw making up the front row. Janko Swanepoel will start at lock alongside former Junior Springbok, Reinhardt Ludwig who will start to his right at 5-lock. The third-row combination of Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom remains unchanged from last week’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship round 7 clash. Louw will – once again – lead the herd when they step into the fortress against the English giants.
The impeccable forward pack will lay the foundation for a backline that begins with Embrose Papier (scrumhalf) and Johan Goosen (flyhalf) at halfback, with David Kriel and Stedman Gans behind them at centre. Springbok trio, Canan Moodie (left wing), Kurt-Lee Arendse (right wing) and Willie le Roux (fullback) complete an electric backline.
Director of Rugby, Jake White said it was good to have Coetzee back and added: “We are happy to have Marcell back, but we are also happier to have the same pack of forwards running out for continuity and also sends the right message to the guys after they played so well last weekend. It is nice to have him but there is a lot of positivity in the camp that it is as it was last weekend,”
Speaking on the Saracens test for his herd, White remarked: “It is another test for our guys, but I say this with respect to Maro Itjoe, our guys played against Eben Etzebeth last weekend, and I am looking forward to seeing how well they do with this test this weekend because they did well against Eben last weekend,”
“Saracens have shown over the last couple of years that they have an incredible success rate, playing the style they play but we mustn’t get sucked into anything, we must remain focused on what we do well; especially because we are at home with all the contributing factors like altitude and the heat; and momentum from the way we have been playing. This is something we must not move away from,”
“It is going to be an interesting test match but I am confident that Kurt-Lee, Canan and Willie have played together at the international level and would have played international sides that play similar to their (Saracens) game and they would have done very well anyways, so I am looking forward to whether or not the makeup of our group can make sure that we play the way we want to play.”
White added: “Saracens have an incredible record in the Champions Cup. They are like the Barcelona of rugby and so it will be a wonderful test match,”
“The learnings we have learnt as a group are going to have to be water-tight this weekend because we are going to get asked a lot of different questions and get tested in different areas that we probably haven’t been tested before because of the way Saracens play.”
On the importance of having a good start: “It is always good to start well but the one thing we all know is that the longer you play at altitude the more fatigued you get, especially if you are a touring side; so it would be wonderful to start well and continue playing well but I don’t necessarily reckon that if you start badly therefore all is lost. There is a lot of contributing factors that can play a role in these championship games”.
“I have no doubt Saracens will want to start well too because of the experience they have and because of the personnel they have as well, I am sure they would know they need to start well as well.”
On Saracens’ strong travelling squad: “It is a wonderful honour for us that they bring their best team to play against us, it sends a great message to us as a group; that they take us that seriously that they would bring all their internationals that they have available to come and play at Loftus. Knowing them, it is probably also a learning experience for them. First time playing against the Vodacom Bulls, first time in Tshwane as they develop as a team,”
“It doesn’t get any tougher or bigger than this weekend, to play against a Saracens side that has won this competition. I am really looking forward to measuring ourselves against a team like Saracens with the success they have and the way they play. I have a lot of respect for the way they do things as a club.”
“We have got to play as well as we can, and this will be a wonderful measurement for us to see where we are as a group. There is a lot of history and memories to be made. This is what it is all about, the biggest competition in the world.”
Tickets for the blockbuster start from R 50.00c and the gates will open at 16h30 with an exciting serving of entertainment at the Loftus D-Market for the whole family.
VODACOM BULLS vs SARACENS STARTING XV:
1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Janko Swanepoel, 5. Reinhardt Ludwig, 6. Marco van Staden, 7. Elrigh Louw (c), 8. Cameron Hanekom, 9. Embrose Papier, 10. Johan Goosen, 11. Canan Moodie, 12. David Kriel, 13. Stedman Gans, 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 15. Willie le Roux
VODACOM BULLS IMPACT SQUAD:
16. Simphiwe Matanzima, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Mornay Smith, 19. Deon Slabbert, 20. Marcell Coetzee, 21. Zak Burger, 22. Jaco van der Walt, 23. Sergeal Petersen
MANAGEMENT:
Jake White – Director of Rugby, Chris Rossouw – Assistant Coach, Werner Kruger – Assistant Coach, Gary Gold – Assistant Coach, Andries Bekker – Assistant Coach, Jean Tiedt – Assistant Coach, Kennedy Tsimba – Assistant Coach, Phiwe Nomlomo – Assistant Coach, John-William Meyer – Technical Analyst, Dr. Moshe Magethi – Team Doctor, Lance Lemmetjies – Senior Physiotherapist, Darryn Berry – Physiotherapist, Andre Volsteedt – Strength & Conditioning, Yusuf Vahed – Sport Scientist, Elias Bennett – Team Manager, Simon Dyidi – Logistics Manager
Die Balfour-boerevereniging in samewerking met AFGRI bied aan die Balfour Hooidag vir 2024 op 18 Januarie. Dagboek solank die datum en kom ervaar eerstehands ‘n wye verskeidenheid hooimaaktoerusting in aksie.
Springbok utility back and two-time World Cup winner, Willie le Roux, will make his debut for the Vodacom Bulls who return to “Fortress Loftus” looking to slay Connacht who visit the capital in round six of the 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship. Jake White’s herd has seen six rotational shuffles made to the starting XV with two more changes in personnel on the bench for the clash set for Saturday 25 November, at 17h00.
Le Roux will lace his boots and line up at fullback with the centre-pairing of David Kriel and Stedman Gans in front of him. Once more, ‘Speed Kings’ Sergeal Petersen and Sebastian de Klerk will command the herd on the wings whilst scrumhalf Zak Burger and Jaco van der Walt (flyhalf) will marshal the troops at halfback.
Up ahead, the front row is assembled with Gerhard Steenekamp at loosehead prop alongside Akker van der Merwe at hooker with Wilco Louw at tighthead prop. Behind the power-packing trio will be the lock combination of Reinhardt Ludwig and captain Ruan Nortje in the second row. Versatile flanker, Marco ‘Eskom’ van Staden returns to the fold and will start at flank alongside Elrigh Louw to his right with Nizaam Carr at eight.
Director of Rugby, Jake White has assembled an impact squad comprising five forwards Simphiwe Matanzima, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith, Janko Swanepoel, Cyle Brink and three backline players Embrose Papier, Chris Smith and young World Champion, Canan ‘Mr. Magic’ Moodie.
Gates at Loftus will open from 14h00 in the afternoon with plenty of entertainment for the entire family at the Loftus Markert on the D-field.
When asked about whether or not his selections were made with the Sharks game in mind, White commented: “I am not thinking about the Sharks game yet (taking place on Saturday 02 December 2023) because we have to get this Connacht game out the way.”
On the opposition, the Vodacom Bulls mentor said: “They are a good team. You do not go to Durban and win there, especially after they had just flown in. They are certainly one of the most in-form teams at the moment. I know Andy Friend well, and I think they have changed a few things. They are a difficult team to beat, and they beat us by playing direct rugby when we played them away from home. We saw it again when they played last week, once they get closer to the try line, they go for it.
“Their result against the Sharks will give them a big confidence coming up to Loftus. However, we must not get sucked into that but rather focus and do what we need to do from our side!”
White was beaming with excitement when asked about getting the opportunity to see Willie le Roux in action, calling for the Loftus community to back him and the incredible knowledge he brings.
“I have never coached him, but I watched him play back in the day in Boland as an under-19 and never realised he would end up being what he is now. I read on social media what people say about him and just cannot believe what I see. He has only been here for a week, but it feels like he has been here for six months, he is unbelievable. He is like having a coach there. He is very clever and extremely skilful; I cannot wait for tomorrow to see how he goes because I am sure people will see just the value that he has.”
“To all the critics, I ask that you lay it off because he is probably one of the best if not the best player to have played for the Boks and if he is not the best then he is definitely the cleverest.”
White went on to add: “The guy is unbelievable, and I cannot believe it has only been a week. Even when he was at the World Cup he was asking for the defensive and attacking plays, wanting to understand what we are doing and now that he is here it feels like he has been here for a whole season. I can now understand why he gets picked week in and week out. In one week, I can’t believe what he has been able to do. It is like having a coach there, a coach who understands the game. I did hear this from the other players before arriving here, Canan (Moodie), Kurt-Lee (Arendse), Marco (van Staden) all said he is unbelievable to play alongside and now I see it too. Hopefully everybody else sees it too.”
Asked about the Vodacom Bulls Boks returning to play, White commented: “It’s a wonderful thing for us, they returned and were asking to play. Marco was saying he can’t wait to play, so it’s great for us – the excitement and energy they bring is nice.”
Speaking on Marcell’s suspension and how that influences selection: “I went to his hearing, wanting to see how it works out, but I obviously did not get involved. It would be difficult for them (the hearing committee) to go in there and not back their referee because then that would say they do not back the ref. It is not ideal, but it is the nature of what we have to deal with now. The blooding in of young guys, a year later, has given me and this team more confidence that even if we do not stick with the same guys. It’s also good to not stick with one group of players because it doesn’t do well for the other guys not on the field.”
VODACOM BULLS vs CONNACHT STARTING XV:
1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Reinhardt Ludwig, 5. Ruan Nortje (c), 6. Marco van Staden, 7. Elrigh Louw, 8. Nizaam Carr, 9. Zak Burger, 10. Jaco van der Walt, 11. Sergeal Petersen, 12. David Kriel, 13. Stedman Gans, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 15. Willie le Roux
VODACOM BULLS IMPACT SQUAD:
16. Simphiwe Matanzima, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Mornay Smith, 19. Janko Swanepoel, 20. Cyle Brink, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Chris Smith, 23. Canan Moodie
MANAGEMENT:
Jake White – Director of Rugby, Chris Rossouw – Assistant Coach, Werner Kruger – Assistant Coach, Gary Gold – Assistant Coach, Andries Bekker – Assistant Coach, Jean Tiedt – Assistant Coach, Kennedy Tsimba – Assistant Coach, Phiwe Nomlomo – Assistant Coach, John-William Meyer – Technical Analyst, Dr. Gerhard Louwrens – Team Doctor, Lance Lemmetjies – Senior Physiotherapist, Darryn Berry – Physiotherapist, Andre Volsteedt – Strength & Conditioning, Yusuf Vahed – Sport Scientist, Elias Bennett – Team Manager, Simon Dyidi – Logistics Manager
In this season’s last episode of African Farming, Theo Potgieter of AFGRI Insurance Brokers discussed the different kinds of crop cover that could assist farmers in mitigating the risks associated with seasonal production, where extreme weather events, fire or even crop diseases can play havoc with forward planning.
To find out more about the crop insurance options available, watch the full discussion here: https://www.facebook.com/afgri.co.za/videos/749633930273826book
The Vodacom Bulls are eyeing the scalp of their round 5 hosts, Edinburgh as the South Africans look to complete their European travels with another successful showing in the 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship. The Tshwane-based outfit has already raked up 10 points on the road and will be hunting for more in the Scottish capital.
Kick-off at the Hive Stadium is set for 19h35 local time (21h35 in South Africa) and will be broadcast live on SuperSport Rugby.
There are a number of changes made to the matchday 23 with the exception of the backline which will see the services of Sergeal Petersen and Sebastian de Klerk retained on the wings with David Kriel and Stedman Gans combining at the centre once more whilst Mr. Consistency, Devon Williams continues to shine at fullback.
Scrumhalf, Embrose Papier will have Johan Goosen (flyhalf) as partner at halfback. Ahead of the Papier/Goosen duo will be a forward pack led by loose-head prop, Gerhard Steenekamp, alongside hooker, Johan Grobbelaar and tight-head prop Wilco Louw. Behind the powerful trio will be the lock combination of Ruan Vermaak alongside his co-captain and namesake, Ruan Nortje. Nortje will bind with – his co-captain – Marcell Coetzee who will run at blind-side flank with Elrigh Louw manning the openside flank position.
Cameron Hanekom will continue with his impressive start to the season running out as the herd’s dominant eighth man.
The Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White has opted to deploy a 6-2 split bench once more with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Jaco van der Walt set to feature for the men in blue for the first time this season. Simphiwe Matanzima, Mornay Smith, Reinhardt Ludwig, Nizaam Carr, Keagan Johannes and Cyle Brink complete the impact ensemble.
Asked about the changes made to the matchday 23, White remarked: “It’s just normal rotation. Next week we have Connacht, then Saracens and then the Sharks await, so we have a rough month ahead of us, so we would like to keep guys fresh and also give guys opportunity because they have trained hard in the pre-season,”
“We have been very fortunate that we have played 32 of the 33 players who we have here on tour and that is great because we also have to make sure that all our guys are match ready. We need to keep them fresh and it’s basically controlling what we can from our camp.”
Asked about going into the round at the top of the log, White said there is a lot for his side that is on offer. An opportunity for the Vodacom Bulls to remain at the top of the log after five rounds.
“It is nice to be top of the log but as I have said before, we have to learn from the past. Munster/Ulster were nowhere after five rounds last season, the Stormers were nowhere after round 5 in year one of the competition. It is still early days so it is not a given that you will be there at the back end of the competition if you are at the top in the early parts of the competition,”
“But it is nice, it is nice that we are there, and we are there at the end of our tour and we have gotten there rotating our squad too.”
On expectations against Edinburgh: “I am expecting a very tough game with 13 Scottish internationals in their starting XV, they have massive amounts of experience. The return of Jamie Ritchie will also be a massive boost for them who has been away after the World Cup. They are generally always there or thereabout in the top eight, they are not a team that surprises everybody by finishing in the top part of the draw,”
“It’s going to be a tough game for us considering we are into our fourth week of the tour which is always tough because people start making plans about going back to South Africa. So there are a lot of things we are going to have to make sure we get right tomorrow.”
Asked about coming up against Sean Everitt who was at Loftus at the end of last season, the Vodacom Bulls mentor said: “I worked with Sean at the Sharks and when he was with us, so I know him very well. He is a very good coach who has been around for a while. Good coaches are the ones who can adapt and I think it will be interesting and I look forward to it.”
VODACOM BULLS vs EDINBURGH RUGBY STARTING XV: 1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Ruan Vermaak, 5. Ruan Nortje (c), 6. Marcell Coetzee (c), 7. Elrigh Louw, 8. Cameron Hanekom, 9. Embrose Papier, 10. Johan Goosen, 11. Sergeal Petersen, 12. David Kriel, 13. Stedman Gans, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 15. Devon Williams
VODACOM BULLS IMPACT SQUAD: 16. Simphiwe Matanzima, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Mornay Smith, 19. Reinhardt Ludwig, 20. Nizaam Carr, 21. Keagan Johannes, 22. Jaco van der Walt, 24. Cyle Brink
** Brink is player 23 but will run out in jersey 24 because of size constraints
MANAGEMENT: Jake White – Director of Rugby, Chris Rossouw – Assistant Coach, Gary Gold – Assistant Coach, Andries Bekker – Assistant Coach, John-William Meyer – Technical Analyst, Dr. Herman Rossouw – Team Doctor, Lance Lemmetjies – Senior Physiotherapist, Darryn Berry – Physiotherapist, Andre Volsteedt – Strength & Conditioning, Yusuf Vahed – Sport Scientist, Elias Bennett – Team Manager, Simon Dyidi – Logistics Manager