Botha to lead powerful Vodacom Bulls team in Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked opener

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Experienced loose forward Arno Botha will lead a Vodacom Bulls team jam-packed with Springboks, Blitzboks, and Junior Springbok talent against the Tafel Lager Griquas in the opening round of Vodacom Super Rugby Unlocked at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 10 October 2020.

The backline remains relatively unchanged from the Vodacom Super Fan Saturday team that was triumphant against the Cell C Sharks two weeks ago.

The only change sees the fleet-footed David Kriel starting on the left wing as he makes his debut for the Vodacom Bulls.

Springboks Gio Aplon, Cornal Hendricks, Travis Ismaiel, Morné Steyn, and Ivan van Zyl are expected to shine on game day as their collective experience and ability to break the defensive line will be a cornerstone on the attack.

Amongst the forwards, Blitzbok Tim Agaba starts at no.8 where he links up with Springbok flankers Botha and Marco van Staden while locks Jason Jenkins and Ruan Nortje continue their partnership in the second row. Regular skipper Duane Vermeulen picked a slight knee niggle last weekend and is been rested as a precaution.

The front row will be propped up by the forever smiling World Cup-winning prop Trevor Nyakane and Vodacom Super Rugby stalwart Jacques ‘Policeman’ van Rooyen, who will also be making his Vodacom Bulls debut.

The bench is no different in terms of explosive talent with Springbok prop Lizo Gqoboka and Junior Springbok Johan Grobbelaar at hooker eager to return to action after injury layoffs, while lock Sintu Manjezi, flank Elrigh Louw and flyhalf Chris Smith are also set to make their Vodacom Super Rugby debuts.

“It’s been months of preparation and weeks of training with the players and management excited to get going. We have a mission, we’ve set high standards, and now is the time for the Vodacom Bulls to stamp their authority on this competition,” said Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.

“The experience amongst our players allows us to implement our game plan quickly and with a solid foundation. I’m extremely excited for all the players making their debuts and looking forward to watching them grow,” he added.

Kick-off is 19:00.

Vodacom Bulls: 15. Gio Aplon, 14. Travis Ismaiel, 13. Stedman Gans, 12. Cornal Hendricks, 11. David Kriel, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Ivan van Zyl, 8. Tim Agaba, 7. Arno Botha (C), 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Jason Jenkins, 3. Trevor Nyakane, 2. Corniel Els, 1. Jacques van Rooyen.

Replacements: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Lizo Gqoboka, 18. Mornay Smith, 19. Sintu Manjezi, 20. Elrigh Louw, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Chris Smith, 23. Marco Jansen van Vuren

Non-playing subs: 24. Jan Uys, 25. Duane Vermeulen, 26. Jade Stighling.

 

Press Conference Audio Link: https://we.tl/t-NvKp1nlvr3

Changes made for Vodacom Blue Bulls U21’s clash with Toyota Free State

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Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 head coach, Hayden Groepes, has made several changes to his matchday team ahead of their SA Rugby U21 Championship Round 2 meeting against the Toyota Free State Cheetahs U21 at Emirates Airline Park on Thursday, 8 October 2020.

Ruben Beytell and Richard Kriel are the only players in the backline that remain after their dominant win against DHL Western Province U21 in Round 1 with the rotation of players critical in a tournament with such short turnarounds between matches.

Kabelo Mokoena and Sebastiaan Jobb (wings); Sebastian de Klerk and Jay-Cee Nel (centres) and Keagan Johannes (scrumhalf) all get an opportunity to impress in their meeting against Free State who have their tails up after their narrow victory over the Xerox Lions U21 last Sunday.

Amongst the forwards, captain and flank Jaco Labuschagne and lock Janko Swanepoel retain their starting with Divan Venter (no.8), Hendri du Toit (flank), Raynard Roets (lock) with a new-look front row in Wian Otto, Janco Uys, and Kudzwai Dube all getting the nod in the starting line-up.

“The boys did a fantastic job against Western Province but we need to follow that up with another solid performance against Free State. Rotation of our players is a critical part of our game plan as we need to keep them fresh and injury-free throughout the campaign,” said Groepes.

Kick-off is 15:30.

Vodacom Blue Bulls U21: 15. Richard Kriel, 14. Kabelo Mokoena, 13. Sebastian de Klerk, 12. Jay-Cee Nel, 11. Sebastiaan Jobb, 10. Ruben Beytell, 9. Keagan Johannes, 8. Divan Venter, 7. Jaco Labuschagne (C), 6. Hendri du Toit, 5. Janko Swanepoel, 4. Raynard Roets, 3. Wian Otto, 2. Janco Uys, 1. Kudzwai Dube.

Replacements: 16. Keano Hendricks, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Nolan Pienaar, 19. Jordan van Wyk, 20. WJ Steenkamp, 21. Bernard van der Linde, 22. David Coetzer, 23. Dylan Schwartz.

Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 named for DHL WP U21 meeting

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The defending SA Rugby U21 champions, the Vodacom Blue Bulls U21, have named a strong team to face DHL Western Province U21 in their opening clash of the 2020 tournament.

Exciting backs Richard Kriel, Diego Appollis, and Stravino Jacobs will be itching to stretch their legs after months of being on the sidelines due to the COVID-19 pandemic while WJ Steenkamp, Jaco Labuschagne, and Jan-Hendrik Wessels will pack the necessary punch amongst the forwards.

This year’s edition follows a format similar to the World Rugby U20 Championship where matches are played every few days as opposed to the usual week on week basis.

The 2020 SA Rugby U21 Championship will see the Vodacom Blue Bulls U21, Xerox Golden Lions U21, Toyota Free State Cheetahs U21, Cell C Sharks U21, and DHL Western Province U21 contest the silverware from Sunday, 4 October until the final on Friday, 30 October.

“The pressure is definitely on as defending champions but we have a relatively settled squad and exceptional players that know what they need to do. They are looking forward to their assignment against WP and will need to start strong and secure a winning culture from the start,” said Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 head coach, Hayden Groepes.

Vodacom Blue Bulls U21: 15. Richard Kriel, 14. Gerswin Mouton, 13. Diego Appollis, 12. Dawid Kellerman, 11. Stravino Jacobs, 10. Ruben Beytell, 9. Johan Mulder, 8. WJ Steenkamp, 7. Jaco Labuschagne (C), 6. Janko Swanepoel, 4. Jordan van Dyk, 3. Eduan Swart, 2. Joe van Zyl, 1. Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Replacements: 16. Janco Uys, 17. Dewald Donald, 18. Wian Otto, 19. Adolph Visser, 20. Divan Venter, 21. Ross Braude, 22. Alex-Zander du Plessis, 23. Jay-Cee Nel.

Vodacom Bulls announce 30 man squad to face Cell C Sharks at Vodacom Super Fan Saturday

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The grass on Loftus Versfeld looks immaculate, the lines have been painted and the players have been preparing to return to rugby for several weeks under various lockdown regulations.

It has been a frustrating time for the rugby community but that is set to change to jubilation on Saturday, 26 September 2020, when Loftus Versfeld hosts the Vodacom Super Fan Saturday which sees a double header of matches with the Vodacom Bulls defending their turf against the Cell C Sharks, and the Emirates Lions facing off against the DHL Stormers.

Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, has announced a 30 man strong match day squad that will do battle come Saturday. It is a squad that is brimming with Springbok experience and a youthful injection of the next generation of superstars.

World Cup winning no.8 Duane Vermeulen will lead this new look Vodacom Bulls squad that includes many of the new signings made during the COVID enforced off-season.

The backs are not only loaded with speed that could make a cheetah stop and take note, but has the experience of several Springboks including Gio Aplon, Morné Steyn, Embrose Papier, Cornal Hendricks, Travis Ismaiel and Ivan van Zyl while boasting two Blitzbok in Stedman Gans and Kurt-lee Arendse. This vast array of experience is well complimented by a host of youngsters that are eagerly waiting to be unleashed among the backs.

It is much the same amongst the forwards with the pack oozing Springboks, Blitzboks and Junior Springbok talent… giving Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, the best selection headache possible.

With Vermeulen wearing the captain’s armband, he finds himself surrounded by fellow Springboks: Jason Jenkins, Trevor Nyakane, Marco van Staden, Arno Botha, Nizaam Carr and Juandré Kruger, with Blitzbok Tim Agaba adding his power and pace to the mix.

Last year’s successful Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 captain, Muller Uys, leads the youngsters, who’ve already proven that they can play at an elite level, alongside Junior Springboks Ruan Nortjé, Schalk Erasmus and Corniel Els.

New forward signings Jacques van Rooyen, Sintu Manjezi and Jan-Hendrik Wessels will get the opportunity to charge the length and breadth of Loftus Versfeld as the squad prepares to lock horns with their coastal foes in what is expected to be a clash of titans, and the ultimate exhibition to restart rugby.

“The time for talking is over. We’ve prepared for this moment for weeks now and the boys just want to get out and play. Their commitment and dedication to the way we want to play is reassuring. Now it is time to go out there and to ensure all those long hours in the sun training and perfecting our craft is rewarded by a victory,” said Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.

All the action can be seen on SuperSport with the Vodacom Bulls kicking things off against the Cell C Sharks at 16:30, and the Emirates Lions set to kick-off against the DHL Stormers at 19:00.

Vodacom Bulls squad: Clinton Swart, Travis Ismaiel, Stedman Gans, Jacques van Rooyen, Kurt-lee Arendse, Corniel Els, Morné Steyn, Ivan van Zyl, Marco Jansen van Vuren, Jade Stighling, Stravino Jacobs, Duane Vermeulen (c), Arno Botha, Chris Smith, Marco van Staden, Ruan Nortjé, David Kriel, Muller Uys, Jason Jenkins, Trevor Nyakane, Schalk Erasmus, Jan-Hendriek Wessels, Mornay Smith, Sintu Manjezi, Juandré Kruger, Nizaam Carr, Tim Agaba, Embrose Papier, Cornal Hendricks, Gio Aplon.

Castle Lager Springbok Showdown to kick-start local season next month

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The battle lines are being drawn for a Castle Lager Springbok Showdown, which will pit the best local stars and top, up-and-coming talent against each other on 3 October, as SA Rugby announced its plans today to reignite an exciting four-month local season.

Springbok assistant coaches Mzwandile Stick and Deon Davids will coach Springbok Green versus Gold teams for the match at DHL Newlands in Cape Town on Saturday 3 October, with Rassie Erasmus (Director of Rugby) and Jacques Nienaber (Springbok coach) acting as the two Team Commissioners.

The selection process will take the form of a draft pick from an enlarged squad of 60 players with Green and Gold team bosses taking alternate turns in an old-style ‘schoolyard pick’ to assemble their match-day squads of 25 players each.

The drama will unfold live on SuperSport, with the enlarged squad set to be announced live on Saturday before the crucial draft pick next week.

“This will not only be an opportunity to see the best of the best available in South Africa square off against each other in what promises to be something never seen before, but it will also provide the players with another valuable opportunity to shake off the rust and get the legs and lungs going after not playing any rugby in the last six months,” said Erasmus.

“The players will be encouraged to showcase their skills – individually and in their teams – and while it will be full-on, we’re expecting to see a highly competitive match of quality players against each other.

“It will be exciting – from the moment we select the squads, with several twists thrown in for good measure – through the build-up to the match and the actual encounter in Cape Town.”

To kick things off though, the local rugby season will resume on 26 September with a double-header at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria, when the Vodacom Bulls take on the Cell C Sharks and the Emirates Lions battle the DHL Stormers on Vodacom Super Fan Saturday.

These matches will be followed by the Castle Lager Springbok Showdown at DHL Newlands, after which a double round local competition, between seven franchises, kicks off on the weekend of 10 October.

Details of the local competition, with each of the teams facing the others home and away and every side enjoying two byes during the competition, will be released in due course.

In what is another first for South African rugby, the local competition will continue over Christmas and New Year and will culminate in semi-finals (16 January) and a final on 23 January next year.

“This is a very exciting plan for the next few months, considering all the challenges we’ve faced this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic and it will be great to see our best local rugby heroes battle it out from October to January,” said Jurie Roux, CEO of SA Rugby.

“We’ve worked very hard with Government, SuperSport, our various sponsors and the franchises to get to this point and it’s great to know we can now look forward to brilliant provincial rugby being played in the next couple of months.

“Unfortunately, spectators won’t be allowed inside the stadiums as we are still working with certain COVID-19 regulations.”

Roux said that plans for the Springboks to play the Castle Lager Rugby Championship in Australia were still being pursued but were dependent on international travel and other governmental restrictions as well as player wellness and high-performance considerations.

“We’re still not in a position to confirm plans for the Springboks, but it remains our wish that they play Tests this year,” said Roux.

“It would not only be great to see the Rugby World Cup champions in action, but it would also give the Bok management valuable preparation for next year’s tour of the British & Irish Lions.”

Competition formats and all the fixtures will be confirmed shortly.

 

Jenkins returns to Loftus Versfeld

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Springbok lock, Jason Jenkins, has returned to Loftus Versfeld on a short-term loan from Japanese Top League outfit, Toyota Verblitz, and will be available for the impending South African domestic competition.

The 24-year-old Jenkins joined the Vodacom Bulls in 2013 and represented the franchise from U19 level and all the way up to Vodacom Super Rugby. He represented the Junior Springboks and South Africa A before earning his Springbok cap against Wales in Washington DC in June, 2017.

Jenkins’ return adds more beef to the lock forwards as this behemoth weighs 122kg and stands at 2.01m. Aline this with his dynamic skill set and physicality between the for lines, he is without a doubt a welcomed return to the Vodacom Bulls.

 

#BullsFamily welcomes exciting loose forward Louw

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The Blue Bulls Company can confirm the signing of the exciting and dynamic loose forward Elrigh Louw effective immediately.

The 20-year-old is an impressive physical specimen, standing 1.95m tall and weighing in at 112kg, with the former Junior Springbok flank ultimately sticking his hand up for the Southern Kings in the 2019/20 Guinness PRO14 before the COVID-19 pandemic put a hold on the global rugby season.

Louw was educated at Hoërskool Transvalia where he represented the Valke at the U18 Craven Week before turning out for the Toyota Free State Cheetahs at U19 and U21 level.

His signing further beefs up the Vodacom Bulls’ loose forward stocks with the resumption of the domestic rugby season now within sight.

BBCo Director of Rugby, Jake White, expressed his delight in Louw’s signing as the franchise continues its preparation.

“We are delighted that Elrigh has agreed to join the #BullsFamily as he is a young flanker with a bright future. He has proven in the Guinness PRO14 that he can compete against some of the world’s finest players, and not only has he held his own but excelled while at it.”

Big Duane to lead #BullsFamily

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The Vodacom Bulls are proud and excited to announce that big Duane Vermeulen will captain the #BullsFamily, while Arno Botha and Gio Aplon will serve as deputies.

The 34-year-old World Cup winning no.8 is no stranger to leadership roles as he captained the Springboks against New Zealand in Wellington last year while he also wore the DHL Stormers’ armband in 2015.

Couple this with his experience of both Southern and Northern hemisphere rugby, on top of his never-back-down attitude and dedication to perfecting his craft, and it becomes easy to understand his appointment.

Loose forward Arno Botha and utility back Gio Aplon’s appointments as Vermeulen’s deputies were based on similar calculations with Botha (28) having always been earmarked to have a hand in the Vodacom Bulls’ leadership since his junior days at Loftus Versfeld where he led the Vodacom Blue Bulls at various levels including the Currie Cup.

The 37-year-old mercurial and hot stepping utility back Aplon brings a wealth of experience that includes the DHL Stormers, Grenoble and Toyota Verblitz while boasting 17 Springbok caps, he certainly knows how and when to bring the magic on the field. It is this experience that has created a level headed, tactical type of player which will serve the younger backs greatly in the coming seasons.

The Vodacom Bulls have always had the privilege of having some of the finest leaders in world rugby amongst their ranks and it is no different at present with the likes of Trevor Nyakane, Morné Steyn, Nizaam Carr and Ivan van Zyl all highly capable leaders, both on and off the field.

Vermeulen thanked White for showing faith in him as a leader while encouraging the loyal #BullsFamily supporters during this difficult time.

“It is always a privilege to play a game of rugby and it is one I never take for granted. It’s a massive honour to be appointed captain of this group, especially at this exciting time when so much is expected from us. A huge thank you must go out to Jake and the management team for trusting me with this immense privilege.”

“This year has been a difficult one for many South Africans but rugby will return and when it does the Vodacom Bulls will be ready to make you proud.”

Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 management confirmed

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The Blue Bulls Company has confirmed the coaching management of the Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 as they gear up in anticipation of defending their SA Rugby U21 Championship crown if and when the season resumes.

This year’s SA Rugby U21 Championship will run parallel with the senior Currie Cup and will feature six teams in a single round of matches before the knockout rounds.

The #BullsFamily is not only proud of the success of their juniors of last year but also determined to create a winning culture and become a powerhouse at junior as well as senior levels which is in-line with Director of Rugby, Jake White’s long-term vision for the franchise.

Hayden Groepes has been named as head coach after successfully guiding the Vodacom Blue Bulls U19 to glory last year and will look to emulate that success at U21 level.

Groepes is no stranger to the junior structures at Loftus Versfeld with the former Vodacom Blue Bulls utility back serving various roles from technical analyst to head coach, while he has also Vodacom Super Rugby and Currie Cup experience as a skills coach.

The U21s will also have the combined experience of Pine Pienaar and David Manuel as assistant coaches and their senior coaching experience at Vodacom Super Rugby, Currie Cup, Super Sport Rugby Challenge, and Vodacom Cup level will ensure that the U21s have everything they need to defend their title.

One of White’s mandates is to align the region’s rugby structures from schools through to clubs and up to Vodacom Super Rugby by ensuring that the same blueprint is followed and the appointment of former Afrikaanse Hoër Seunskool and Blue Bulls Craven Week coach, Jaco Koch, as assistant forward coach is another step into making this a reality.

White was excited about the junior coaching and support group, “It’s great to have a junior structure where we can grow and develop not only the young players but also the staff. This is the foundation on what happens at a senior level, and I’m extremely pleased with the group we have entrusted with this task. Hayden has enjoyed success with the u19s last year, and will be keen to continue with the bulk of that those players moving into this division”

Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 management:

  • Head coach: Hayden Groepes
  • Assistant coach – Backs: Pine Pienaar
  • Assistant coach – Forwards: Jaco Koch
  • Assistant coach – Breakdown: David Manuel
  • Scrum coach: Edgar Marutlulle
  • Conditioning coach: Shaun du Toit, Yusuf Vahed
  • Physiotherapists: Kyle Meyer, Um’r Ismail
  • Team doctor: Dr Gerhard Louwrens
  • Logistics manager: Tshepo Mashigo
  • Team manager: Werner de Beer
  • Rehab specialists: Armond de Wet, Tirsa Pittaway
  • Speed Coach: Jacus Coetzee

BullsFamily welcomes Clinton Swart

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The Blue Bulls Company can confirm that 27-year-old Clinton Swart will join the Vodacom Bulls effective immediately.

Swart is a versatile player who is an accomplished flyhalf with a proficient boot as a goal kicker and is also more than comfortable in the midfield. He represented the Pumas at Craven Week and Under 19 level before enrolling at the University of Pretoria. His return marks a homecoming of sorts for the talented back as he represented the Vodacom Blue Bulls U21 in 2012.

The brutally effective runner turned out for the Valke before he moved to Kimberley to don the Tafel Lager Griquas jersey and it was during his stay in the Northern Cape where his hard work paid off as he was drafted into the Toyota Cheetahs Vodacom Super Rugby squad.

In 2018, he linked up with Japanese Top League outfit, Toyota Verblitz, where he was coached by the current Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, and played alongside fellow Vodacom Bulls newcomer Gio Aplon.

His signing will add immense value to the backs while his ability and experience will allow the backline more room to express themselves.

White welcomed Swart to the #BullsFamily, “I do not doubt that Clinton will fit in perfectly into our plans. He is an expressive and hard-running player with an immense work rate. Having worked with him and coached him before, he knows perfectly well what I expect of him.”