#BULVJAG Match Preview: Vermeulen Handed Captaincy For Loftus Clash Against Jaguares

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Vodacom Bulls coach Pote Human made several tweaks to his line-up for Saturday’s Vodacom Super Rugby encounter against the Jaguares at Loftus Versfeld, where the kick-off is 15h05.

 

Manie Libbok takes over the flyhalf duties from Handre Pollard, Johnny Kotze starts at right wing while the resting of Springbok centre Jesse Kriel allows Dylan Sage to take the No 13 jersey. Jade Stighling also gets a chance at left wing in rotation with Rosko Specman.

 

Up front, Jannes Kirsten will start in the No 7 jersey and Hanro Liebenberg moves to lock. Corniel Els replaces the suspended Schalk Brits at hooker while experienced Springbok No 8 Duane Vermeulen takes over the captaincy from Pollard, who is rested.

 

What they said:

 

Vodacom Bulls skipper Duane Vermeulen said: “We were way under-par when we last played them so we owe ourselves a proper performance against the Jaguares. The South African Conference is so tight that we cannot afford another slip-up at home.”

 

Teams:

 

Vodacom Bulls: 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Johnny Kotze, 13 Dylan Sage, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Jade Stighling, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Ruan Steenkamp, 5 Eli Snyman, 4 Hanro Liebenberg 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Corniel Els, 1 Lizo Gqoboka.

 

Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Thembelani Bholi, 20 Tim Agaba, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 JT Jackson, 23 Cornal Hendricks.

 

Jaguares: TBA

 

Head to head:

Played: 5

Vodacom Bulls won: 2

Jaguares won: 3

Vodacom Bulls points: 116

Jaguares points: 157

Average score: 23-31

 

Match information:

Date: Saturday, 6 April

SA time: 15h05

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Referee: Brendon Pickerill

Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge, Mike Fraser

Television Match Official: Willie Vos

TV: SuperSport1

 

Source: thebulls.co.za

ELS TO MAKE FIRST START FOR VODACOM BULLS

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Corniel Els will make his first run-on appearance for the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday, when the home side takes on the Jaguares at Loftus Versfeld at 15h05.

The hooker, who played all six Vodacom Super Rugby matches for the Vodacom Bulls off the bench, will replace Schalk Brits, who misses out due to suspension.

The 25-year old former Junior Springbok is one of seven changes to the starting team named by Head Coach, Pote Human, for the clash against the South Americans.

Handré Pollard and Jesse Kriel will be rested due to World Cup protocols and will be replaced by Manie Libbok and Dylan Sage respectively, with Duane Vermeulen taking over the captaincy.

Jade Stighling will also play in the starting team for the first time this year, taking over from Rosko Specman, with Johnny Kotze on the other wing and Cornal Hendricks dropping to the bench.

In a positional change, Hanro Liebenberg moves back to lock in place of Jason Jenkins, who has a niggle and was ruled out on Wednesday.

Jannes Kirsten will start at flank and his place on the bench will be taken by Thembelani Bholi.

There are more changes to the bench as well, where Jaco Visagie is due to make a first appearance in the tournament this season. Visagie is fit again following injury and will be keen to have a go. JT Jackson will cover as flyhalf and comes onto the bench.

Human said the squad prepared well and is keen to continue their winning momentum against a dangerous opponent.

“The Jaguares are very, very competitive and have shown that they can win away from home. We will be looking for some consistency in performance and we need to play better when at home, as we have some of the best home support in the competition. We have rested some players, but the new guys are all very keen to make a contribution and I expect a massive effort from all of them.”

For new Vodacom Bulls captain, Duane Vermeulen, the challenge will be as much coming from the opponents as themselves.

“We were way under par when we last played them so we owe ourselves a proper performance against the Jaguares. It is nothing personal, but we would love to get one over them this time. The South African conference is so tight, we cannot afford another slip-up at home.”

The team (with Super Rugby caps and points) is:
Divan Rossouw (16, 15), Johnny Kotze (36, 45), Dylan Sage (5, 0), Burger Odendaal (47, 20), Jade Stighling (2, 0), Manie Libbok (10, 13), Embrose Papier (16, 5), Duane Vermeulen (c; 115, 45), Jannes Kirsten (22, 10), Ruan Steenkamp (16, 0), Eli Snyman (5, 0), Hanro Liebenberg (34, 15), Trevor Nyakane (97, 15), Corniel Els (6, 0), Lizo Gqoboka (43, 10).

 

Replacements: Jaco Visagie (36, 5), Simphiwe Matanzima (6, 0), Conraad van Vuuren (18, 5), Thembelani Bholi (33, 5), Tim Agaba (4, 0), Ivan van Zyl (23, 0), JT Jackson (1, 0), Cornal Hendricks (32, 55).

More #Humanfactor Confirmed

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The Blue Bulls Company are excited to confirm that Vodacom Super Rugby head coach Pote Human has extended his contract for another year, with an option to renew.

 

Human took the reins early this year after the resignation of John Michell late last year and has lead the Vodacom Bulls to four impressive victories from a total of six games in this year’s competition thus far.

 

Human, as always, is excited and keen to get on with the job: “It’s a massive honor to be entrusted with this role, especially knowing that I have the backing of the people around me. It’s been a good start thus far, and I firmly believe that we are heading in the right direction as a team. However, there is a long season ahead with lots of work to be done, and I am excited to get on with things. I’d also like to sincerely thank the BBCo for believing in me and giving me this opportunity.”

 

The BBCo are also pleased to confirm the signing of Ulster prop Wiehahn Herbst, welcoming the big prop to Loftus on Monday 1 April. The 31-year-old Klerksdorp High front row also played for the Sharks in Durban, racking up 40 Vodacom Super Rugby caps between 2009 and 2014. He then moved to Ulster where he spent the following six years.

 

Source: thebulls.co.za

Pollard Kicks Vodacom Bulls To Dramatic Win In Durban

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The men from Pretoria led 6-3 at halftime in this seventh round Vodacom Super Rugby fixture.

 

Pollard’s crucial penalty was the difference between the two South African teams as the Vodacom Bulls completed a double of derby wins over their coastal rivals following their success earlier in the month at Loftus Versfeld.

 

Dan du Preez and Andre Esterhuizen were the try scorers for the home team while Jesse Kriel dotted down under the posts for the team in the blue jerseys following a solid set-piece movement.

 

With this victory the Vodacom Bulls moved to 17 log points and within just one point of the South Africa Conference leaders, the Emirates Lions, after playing six matches while the Durban outfit now trail the Highvelders by two.

 

The match was a typically tough South African derby, with the home team enjoying most of the territory and possession especially in the first half.

 

Despite those advantages the Durbanites still found themselves trailing 3-6 at the break following an exchange of penalties between Rob du Preez and Pollard.

 

In very pleasant coastal weather conditions, both teams made themselves guilty of numerous handling errors, leading to no tries being in the opening half.

 

Pote Human’s team however managed to wrestle themselves free from the home team’s defensive grip as the second half progressed. With the scores tied at 16-16 and just two minutes left to play on the clock, the Vodacom Bulls won the decisive penalty as reward for a powerful scrum, which allowed Pollard to easily slot the winning penalty from close range.

 

The two hookers, Akker van der Merwe (Cell C Sharks) and Schalk Brits (Vodacom Bulls) were red carded in the second half for a scuffle on the ground.

 

The the Vodacom Bull host the Jaguares at Loftus on Saturday (15h05).

 

Scorers:

Cell C Sharks 16 (3) – Tries: Dan du Preez, Andre Esterhuizen; Penalty goals: Rob du Preez (2).

 

Vodacom Bulls 19 (6) – Try: Jesse Kriel; Conversion: Handre Pollard; Penalty goals: Pollard (4).

 

Source: thebulls.co.za

Vodacom Bulls Travel To Durban With A Point To Prove

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Cell C Sharks head coach Robert du Preez has made just two changes to the starting line-up for this week’s home derby against the Vodacom Bulls. Luke Stringer replaces Phepsi Buthelezi at flank and Lwazi Mvovo rotates on the wing with Sbu Nkosi.

There is also a first call-up this campaign for experienced loose forward Philip van der Walt who returned from Japan with an injury but is now back to full fitness, joining Craig Burden (hooker) in making an impact off the bench.

Meanwhile, stalwart prop Beast Mtawarira stands on the cusp of making history as the popular front ranker is set to equal Adriaan Strauss’ record of 156 competition appearances.

Strauss played for the Toyota Cheetahs and the Vodacom Bulls, but Mtawarira has accomplished his feat with just one team, the Cell C Sharks, since making his debut in 2007.

 

Vodacom Bulls coach Pote Human has rotated his scrumhalves for the visit to Durban, which sees Embrose Papier starting and fit-again lock Eli Snyman also making his return to the run on side.

The Pretoria side are coming off the back of a very disappointing 56-20 home loss to the Chiefs and they will be determined to return to winning ways against their South African rivals. While both teams have won three and lost two so far, it was the Vodacom Bulls who clinched a comfortable 37-14 triumph when the two sides met at earlier this month in Pretoria.

But the coastal outfit is a hard nut to crack at home and boasts with seven wins from their last eight games on home turf, losing only to the DHL Stormers in that period. And to add spice to the derby, the Pretoria visitors have won their last three local derbies in a row.

What they said:

Cell C Sharks flanker Jacques Vermeulen admits the crunch derby is going to require great patience if they want to replicate last week’s success over the Rebels: “The Vodacom Bulls will come to Durban looking to resurrect their campaign after last week (defeat to the Chiefs), but we pride ourselves on our efforts to win every home game.  This is a big game for us. Every team wants to make their home ground a fortress; it’s important for us to win this weekend.”

Vodacom Bulls coach Pote Human has challenged his side to show real hunger in Durban: “They know what we can bring and we know what to expect too. They have a number of Springboks in their pack and it’s going to be a battle. I’m really excited for this game and the players are all excited to go and show what they can do. We all know that we are better than what we produced last week.”

Teams:

 

Cell C Sharks: 15. Aphelele Fassi, 14. Lwazi Mvovo, 13. Lukhanyo Am, 12. Andre Esterhuizen, 11. Makazole Mapimpi, 10. Robert du Preez, 9. Louis Schreuder (c), 8. Daniel du Preez, 7. Jacques Vermeulen, 6. Luke Stringer, 5. Hyron Andrews, 4. Ruben van Heerden, 3. Coenie Oosthuizen, 2. Akker van der Merwe, 1. Tendai Mtawarira.

 

Replacements: 16. Craig Burden, 17. Thomas du Toit, 18. Khutha Mchunu, 19. Gideon Koegelenberg, 20. Philip van der Walt, 21. Grant Williams, 22. Kobus van Wyk, 23. Curwin Bosch.

 

Vodacom Bulls: 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Handre Pollard (c), 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Ruan Steenkamp, 5 Eli Snyman, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Lizo Gqoboka.

 

Replacements: 16 Corniel Els, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Conrad van Vuuren, 19 Jannes Kirsten, 20 Tim Agaba, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Johnny Kotze.

Head to head:

Played: 31

Cell C Sharks won: 9

Vodacom Bulls: 19

Draws: 3

Cell C Sharks points: 646

Vodacom Bulls points: 683

Average score: 21-22

Match information:

Date: Saturday, 30 March

SA time: 15h05

Venue: Jonsson Kings Park, Durban

Referee: Mike Fraser

Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge, Brendon Pickerill

Television Match Official: Christie du Preez

TV: SuperSport1

 

Source: thebulls.co.za

ODENDAAL,STEENKAMP RETURN FOR VODACOM BULLS AGAINST CHIEFS

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Midfielder Burger Odendaal and flanker Ruan Steenkamp will make a return to the Vodacom Bulls run-on team against the Chiefs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday as coach Pote Human made minimal changes to his team’s fifth Vodacom Super Rugby match of the season.

The return to fitness for both regular starters results in Dylan Sage and Tim Agaba moving to the bench and Paul Schoeman dropping out of the squad altogether.

Eli Snyman, who missed the win against the Cell C Sharks two weeks ago, has also regained fitness and will take his place on the bench, with Tembelani Bholi dropping out. Divan Rossouw also comes straight into the starting line-up at fullback for the injured Warrick Gelant.

Handré Pollard retains the captaincy.

Human said it was important to keep on rewarding good performances, but the experience of Odendaal (45 matches) and the ability of Steenkamp as breakdown specialist was needed for this clash against the Chiefs.

“Both Burger and Ruan will have very important roles to play on Saturday as we expect the Chiefs to come from all angles. They have nothing to lose and we need to be very clinical in certain areas if we want to contain them,” Human explained.

“I expect Dylan and Tim to make significant contributions when they take to the field later in the match.”

Human said the squad is doing well.

“I am happy with the improvement and growth we have shown so far in the competition. It is still early days, but we managed to tick some boxes in the first month of the competition. The New Zealand challenge will test us in different ways though.”

For Pollard, the Chiefs remain a very tough opponent.

“They have this ability to make things look so easy at times and are very quick to turn defence into attack. Their ability to score from anywhere is assisted by a sound first phase game, so this is going to be a huge challenge for us.”

The captain, who scored a try against the Chiefs last year, called on the Loftus faithful for support.

“They cannot play on our behalf, but having a full Loftus behind you, does give the squad a lift. It would be nice to have a good crowd in, there can be no doubt that it is going to be a very entertaining match.”

The squad to play the Chiefs (with Super caps and points) is: Divan Rossouw (14, 15), Cornal Hendricks (30, 55), Jesse Kriel (65, 85), Burger Odendaal (45, 15), Rosko Specman (4, 20), Handre Pollard (50, 511), Ivan van Zyl (21, 0), Duane Vermeulen (113, 45), Jannes Kirsten (20, 10), Ruan Steenkamp (14, 0), Jason Jenkins (44, 35), Hanro Liebenberg (32, 15), Trevor Nyakane (95, 15), Schalk Brits (67,20), Lizo Gqoboka (41, 10).

Replacements: Corniel Els (4, 0), Simphiwe Matanzima (4, 0), Dayan van der Westhuyzen (14, 0), Eli Snyman (3, 0), Tim Agaba (3, 0), Embrose Papier (14, 5), Manie Libbok (9, 13), Dylan Sage (4, 0).

VODACOM BULLS SWEEP PAST CELL C SHARKS

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The Vodacom Bulls extended their winning streak over the Cell C Sharks to four straight wins with a 37-14 Vodacom Super rugby victory at their home ground of Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The Vodacom Bulls led the scoreboard throughout the match forcing the Sharks to chase through from the third minute when Handre Pollard opened the scoring with a penalty. The victory means that the Vodacom Bulls remain unbeaten against South African sides as they have only lost to the Jaguares in the South African Conference.

The result moves the Vodacom Bulls up to first place in the South African conference and second in the overall conference behind tournament leaders the Crusaders. The home side outscored the Sharks by three tries to two in the contest so they earn four points from the match while the Sharks will return home without earning a point.

Next week the Vodacom Bulls have a bye. They return in round six with a match at home in Pretoria against the Chiefs while the Sharks are also at home where they will host the Rebels.

Scorers

Vodacom Bulls 37 (19) – Tries: Jesse Kriel, Rosko Specman (2). Conversions: Handre Pollard (2). Penalties: Pollard (6). Drop Goal: Pollard.
Cell C Sharks 14 (0) – Tries – Jeremy Ward, Dan du Preez.Conversions: Robert du Preez (2)

Van Zyl to start for Vodacom Bulls

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The Vodacom Bulls prepare to take on the Cell C Sharks this weekend at Loftus Versfeld in another much-anticipated Vodacom Super Rugby Marvel inspired derby.

Vodacom Bulls coach, Pote Human, made three positional changes to the team that left Johannesburg with a victory last weekend and three to the bench, where Paul Schoeman is set for a first appearance for the Vodacom Bulls.

Human swopped Ivan van Zyl and Embrose Papier at scrumhalf, with the more experienced Van Zyl starting and his fellow Springbok playing off the bench this time, while Tim Agaba and Jannes Kirsten will form a new loose trio with Duane Vermeulen.

Agaba and Kirsten played off the bench against the Emirates Lions last week and comes in for Hanro Liebenberg and Ruan Steenkamp. Liebenberg moves to lock in place of Eli Snyman though.

On the bench, Tembelani Bholi and Schoeman, who played for the Toyota Cheetahs 24 times in Super Rugby, will fill the empty seats left by Agaba and Kirsten.

Human said the team is keen to reproduce the form they showed in the opening match at Loftus Versfeld, when they outplayed the DHL Stormers.

“We did not play well the next weekend in Argentina, but delivered a much better effort last weekend, so I am confident that we will be up for this one as well. The local derbies certainly brings out the best in our teams, so this will be a physical, hard-fought affair again.”

For Pollard, the upward curve remains a priority. “We had a speed bump, but generally we are growing nicely and that’s what it is about. We have to adapt with one or two new faces coming into the starting team,but we all know what needs to be done on the day,” the captain said.

The Vodacom Bulls have lost, amongst others, Johnny Kotze, Burger Odendaal and Lood de Jager to injury already.

Kick-off is at 17h15.

The team (with caps and points) is: Warrick Gelant (37, 65), Cornal Hendricks (29, 55), Jesse Kriel (64, 80), Dylan Sage (3, 0), Rosko Specman (3, 10), Handré Pollard (c; 49, 489), Ivan van Zyl (20, 0), Duane Vermeulen (v/c; 112, 45), Tim Agaba (2,0), Jannes Kirsten (19, 10), Jason Jenkins (43, 35), Hanro Liebenberg (31, 15), Trevor Nyakane (94, 15), Schalk Brits (64, 20), Lizo Gqoboka (40, 10). Replacements: Corniel Els (3, 0), Simphiwe Matanzima (3, 0), Dayan van der Westhuizen (13, 0), Tembelani Bholi (32, 5), Paul Schoeman (24, 25), Embrose Papier (13, 5), Manie Libbok (9, 13), Divan Rossouw (14, 15).

 

The Vodacom Bulls are #TacklingCancer in the Vodacom Super Rugby for CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation:

https://www.givengain.com/cc/vodacom-bulls-are-tacklingcancer-in-vodacom-super-rugby/

VODACOM BULLS IN RARE, BUT DESERVED WIN IN JOHANNESBURG

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The Vodacom Bulls produced a commanding performance to defeat the Emirates Lions 30-12 in Saturday’s trans-Jukskei Vodacom Super Rugby derby at Emirates Airline Park.

The visitors dominated the opening proceedings, pegging the hosts down in their half. It paid off, as Springbok flyhalf Handre Pollard opened the Bulls’ account with a long-range penalty.

The Johannesburg siege continued as the Emirates Lions survived wave after wave of attacks until eventually No 8 Duane Vermeulen crashed over in the 29th minute.

The home side were forced to play with little ball from deep inside their half, but errors led to Pollard slotting two more penalties, giving the men from Pretoria a deserved 14-0 lead at half-time.

The Vodacom Bulls continued to turn pressure into points, earning a kickable penalty from a lineout drive and extending their lead out to 17-0.

But the home side would finally strike at their first real opportunity following a Vodacom Bulls’ handling error deep in their own half. They kept the ball amongst the forwards and eventually prop Carlu Sadie crossed the whitewash in the 47th minute.

Two more penalty attempts were slotted by Pollard – who produced a man-of-the-match performance – leaving the Joburg men with much work to do.

But again they capitalised on what little ball they had to work with. Replacement scrumhalf Ross Cronje made a sniping break around the ruck to put prop Dylan Smith under the poles with an offload. With the successful conversion, the Emirates Lions were clawing their way back into the contest at 23-12.

Chasing the game, a quick lineout attempt by the Lions 10 metres out from their own tryline proved disastrous. A pass was intercepted and the Vodacom Bulls would take the ball through the hands to see fullback Warrick Gelant go over in the corner untouched to seal the victory.

Scorers:

Emirates Lions: Tries: Carlu Sadie, Dylan Smith. Conversion: Elton Jantjies

Vodacom Bulls: Tries: Duane Vermeulen, Warrick Gelant. Conversion: Handre Pollard. Penalties: Handre Pollard (

PHYSICAL BUENOS AIRES BATTLE AWAITS VODACOM BULLS

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The last match of the weekend will be played in Buenos Aires, between the Jaguares and the Vodacom Bulls where a very physical battle is expected and Cornal Hendricks will be making an emotional return to Vodacom Super Rugby action as replacement for Johnny Kotze (meningitis).

 

Hendriks, the former Springbok wing, will play his first Vodacom Super Rugby match since 2015, when he was forced out of action due to illness. Saturday’s battle in Buenos Aires will see him complete his comeback to top-flight action.

 

The Pretoria side got their swagger back following their sublime win over the DHL Stormers at Loftus and the late-evening tie in South America has all the makings of a fascinating clash.

 

Each of the previous four meetings in this fixture has been won by the home team on the day, with each side having won twice. The Argentine franchise want to avoid back-to-back losses on home soil for the first time since March 2018 after their defeat to the Emirates Lions last week.

 

What they said:

Vodacom Bulls coach Pote Human is expecting a fiery backlash from the Jaguares, especially after they lost to the Emirates Lions in their opening game: “It’s going to be tough especially if the crowd gets behind them and they come with their passion. I think we played the right game plan against the Stormers and if we can continue on that, we can do well.”

 

Jaguares: TBA

 

Vodacom Bulls: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Jessie Kriel, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Ruan Steenkamp, 5 Lood de Jager (captain), 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Schalk Brits, 1 Lizo Gqoboka. Replacements: 16 Corniel Els, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 19 Eli Snyman, 20 Thembelani Bholi, 21 Ivan van Zyl, 22 Manie Libbok, 23 Dylan Sage.

 

Head to head:

Played: 4

Jaguares won: 2

Vodacom Bulls won: 2

Jaguares points: 130

Vodacom Bulls points: 104

Average score: 33-26

 

Match information:

Date: Saturday 23 February

SA time: 23h40

Venue: Jose Amalfitani Stadium, Buenos Aires

Referee: Brendon Pickerill

Assistant referees: Rasta Rasivhenge, Mike Fraser

Television Match Official: Santiago Borsani

TV: SuperSport1