Warner to start for Vodacom Bulls in Cape Town

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Andre Warner will start at scrumhalf for the Vodacom Bulls against the DHL Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday in their crucial Vodacom Super Rugby clash at DHL Newlands. Cape Town-born Warner comes in for Ivan van Zyl, who will play off the bench.

The halfback started the first four matches of the competition before picking up an injury and has made some solid contributions off the bench since, including a try against the Rebels two weeks ago.

The much-anticipated North/South derby will test the Vodacom Bulls, head coach, John Mitchell, said.

“There are more than log points to play for. We are always striving to improve on our previous effort and to grow as a team. That will again be the case. This will be as tough as SA derbies go, no doubt, which will be a good test for our discipline and game management.”

Burger Odendaal, who will captain the Vodacom Bulls for the eighth time this year, said the team is looking forward to the challenge.

“Playing the Stormers is always a special challenge, playing them at Newlands even more so. We love to test ourselves against our peers and this will be such an occasion. I am confident that we will deliver a performance that we and our supporters can be proud of.”

The provisional team (with Vodacom Super Rugby caps and points) is: Warrick Gelant (27, 50), Johnny Kotze (28, 25), Jesse Kriel (54, 50), Burger Odendaal (c, 40, 15), Divan Rossouw (8, 15)/Travis Ismaiel (34, 50), Handre Pollard (40, 358), Andre Warner (8, 10), Thembelani Bholi (23, 5)/Marco van Staden (9, 5), Jason Jenkins (35, 30)/Thembelani Bholi (23, 5), Marco van Staden (9, 5)/Roelof Smit (21, 5), Lood de Jager (58, 15), RG Snyman 32, 10), Trevor Nyakane (89, 15), Adriaan Strauss (152, 95), Lizo Gqoboka (35, 10).

Replacements: Jaco Visagie (29, 5), Frans van Wyk (9, 0)/Nqobisiwe Mxoli (2, 0), Conrad van Vuuren (10, 0), Hendre Stassen (2/0)/Roelof Smit (21, 5), Ivan van Zyl (11,0), Manie Libbok (5, 2), Divan Rossouw (8, 15)/Travis Ismaiel (34, 50).

Notes: 

Adriaan Strauss will extend his South African record for Vodacom Super Rugby matches to 153.

Gqoboka, Jenkins added to Vodacom Bulls pack

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Lizo Gqoboka will earn a first start in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition this year and Jason Jenkins will start at flank for the first time when the Vodacom Bulls take on the Highlanders at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Gqoboka came off the bench in all eight matches so far this season, but with the suspension of Pierre Schoeman, now gets a chance to make an impression in the starting pack.

Jenkins will move off the bench to flank in place of injured Roelof Smit, resulting in a re-shuffled loose trio. Marco van Staden moves back from the back of the scrum in his fetcher role, while Thembelani Bholi moves into no8, with Jenkins wearing the no7 shirt for the first time.

Gqoboka’s bench spot is filled by Conrad van Vuuren, who is back from suspension, while Hendre Stassen comes in for Jenkins and could add to his two caps for the Vodacom Bulls. Nic de Jager also makes a return to the side via the bench, replacing Shaun Adendorff. Travis Ismaiel has returned to full match fitness and will start on the bench, replacing Duncan Matthews. Embrose Papier is also back into the match day squad at scrumhalf in place of Andre Warner, who took a knock against the Rebels.

Vodacom Bulls coach, John Mitchell, said he is keen to get to see how the team goes against the Highlanders.

“They have won four of their last five matches against us, so will have some confidence on how to approach this match. They have delivered some strong performances as well during the year. That makes for a proper contest and a very good test on our progress. We are improving and that is nice, but we need to improve week by week.”

Burger Odendaal, who leads the Vodacom Bulls for the seventh time this season, insisted that the squad is growing in ability.

“We are getting things right more and more. There will always be room for improvement, but we made some encouraging steps in our progress to become the best we can be. The Highlanders are playing great rugby and we cannot wait to go out there and test ourselves against them.”

The Vodacom Bulls team (with Vodacom Super Rugby caps and points) is: Warrick Gelant (26, 50), Divan Rossouw (7, 15), Jesse Kriel (53, 45), Burger Odendaal (c; 39, 15), Johnny Kotze (27, 25), Handre Pollard (39, 347), Ivan van Zyl (10, 0), Thembelani Bholi (22, 5), Jason Jenkins (34, 25), Marco van Staden (8, 5), Lood de Jager (57, 15), RG Snyman (31, 10), Trevor Nyakane (87, 15), Adriaan Strauss (151, 95), Lizo Gqoboka (34, 10). Replacements: Jaco Visagie (28, 5), Frans van Wyk (9, 0), Conraad van Vuuren (9, 0), Hendre Stassen (2, 0), Nic de Jager (21/15), Embrose Papier (5, 0), Manie Libbok (5, 2), Travis Ismaiel (33, 50).

 

Notes

  • Adriaan Strauss will extend his South African record as most capped Vodacom Super Rugby player (and hooker) to 152 matches.
  • The average score for the Vodacom Bulls against the Highlanders is 24-29.

 

 

VODACOM SUPER RUGBY: New loose trio combination for Vodacom Bulls

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Vodacom Bulls coach, John Mitchell, named a largely unchanged squad to face the Rebels in a Vodacom Super Rugby clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

The coach had to tweak his loose trio combination due to an injury to Hanro Liebenberg, with Marco van Staden moving from the side to the back of the scrum and Roelof Smit starting in the number six jersey again in the only change to the starting team in Durban last weekend.

Smit, who started on the bench in that match, Van Staden and Thembelani Bholi will start together as a combination for the first time this season, although they did so for most of the match in Durban after Liebenberg left the field injured.

Mitchell included Shaun Adendorff on the bench. Adendorff will make a first appearance for the Vodacom Bulls this year.

“We are back again at Loftus Versfeld and playing in front of our home fans. We have another opportunity to show that we are a team that play till the very end and that is an exciting opportunity for this squad,” said Mitchell. “We are gaining some momentum and are improving all the time. We are not the finished product yet though and hard work and commitment remains important for us.”

Vodacom Bulls captain, Burger Odendaal, said the Rebels showed their class already. “We have seen them playing some really good rugby so far this season. They are a well-drilled unit and are getting better and better as the season progresses. We need to keep on improving as well, as we have set our standards very high and we are not where we want to be yet.”

The players also welcomed back the home crowd. “Nothing beats playing at Loftus. We are lucky to have passionate support and I sincerely hope the crowds will turn up to get behind us.”

The Vodacom Bulls team (with Vodacom Super Rugby caps and points) is: Warrick Gelant (25, 50), Johnny Kotze (26, 25), Jesse Kriel (52, 40), Burger Odendaal (c; 38, 15), Divan Rossouw (6, 10), Handre Pollard (38, 339), Ivan van Zyl (9, 0), Marco van Staden (7, 5), Thembelani Bholi (21, 50), Roelof Smit (20, 5), Lood de Jager (56, 15), RG Snyman (30, 10), Trevor Nyakane (86, 15)), Adriaan Strauss (150, 90), Pierre Schoeman (31, 15). Replacements:  Jaco Visagie (27, 5), Lizo Gqoboka (33, 10), Frans van Wyk (8, 0), Jason Jenkins (33, 25), Shaun Adendorff (3, 0), Andre Warner (7, 5), Manie Libbok (4, 2), Duncan Matthews (7, 15).

Notes:

  • Adriaan Strauss will extend the South African record for most appearances in the Vodacom Super Rugby competition to 151.
  • Jesse Kriel is the only Vodacom Bulls player who has played every minute of every match so far (560 minutes). In fact, Kriel, who debuted against the Rebels in the last match of 2014, has played in all matches in the 2015 Vodacom Super tournament and in 2016 and 2017 only missed one match.
  • The Vodacom Bulls last three home games against Australian sides have seen a total of 28 tries scored, crossing for 17 themselves and conceding 11.

Vodacom Bulls team to face Cell C Sharks in Durban

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RG and Lood to lock horns in Durban

Regular Vodacom Bulls lock combination, RG Snyman and Lood de Jager, will reunite in Durban on Saturday, when the Vodacom Bulls will lock horns with the Cell C Sharks in Round Seven of the Vodacom Super Rugby tournament.

Snyman last played for the Vodacom Bulls in Hamilton a month ago and De Jager in Christchurch three weeks ago before injury broke up the partnership that played together so impressively in the opening four rounds of the competition.

With his premier lock pairing available for selection again, Vodacom Bulls coach, John Mitchell, moved Jason Jenkins to the bench and Ruben van Heerden out of the match 23 for this important clash.
He also recalled a fit-again Andre Warner, who will replace Embrose Papier as back-up scrumhalf.

“We have all to play for,” said Mitchell when he named his team in Pretoria on Thursday.

“One thing we can bank on is that this will require a huge effort from our side if we want to beat the Sharks at home. They will not make it easy for us or allow us to rule the game. This will be hard work and we need to be prepared for that.”

The coach welcomed back the lock pairing. “Both has played very well and has grown as a combination, so I am pleased to have both back again. They bring a nice mix to our skill set and I am expecting them to be influential in the match.”

Vodacom Bulls captain, Burger Odendaal, said they could not afford to lose momentum again during the next couple of weeks. “We started well, then lost our way and with us bouncing back nicely against the Stormers, it is time to kick on. The week’s rest has done all of us well, so we are keen to go and record a win in Durban. We have the players and the game plan to be very competitive against a strong Sharks team.”

The team (with Vodacom Super Rugby caps and points) is: Warrick Gelant (24, 35), Johnny Kotze (25, 20), Jesse Kriel (51, 40), Burger Odendaal (c; 37, 15), Divan Rossouw (5, 10), Handre Pollard (37, 333), Ivan van Zyl (8, 0), Hanro Liebenberg (24, 15), Thembelani Bholi (20, 5), Marco van Staden (6, 5), Lood de Jager (55, 15), RG Snyman (29, 10), Trevor Nyakane (85, 15), Adriaan Strauss (149, 85), Pierre Schoeman (30, 15). Replacements: Jaco Visagie (26, 5), Lizo Gqoboka (32, 10), Frans van Wyk (7, 0), Jason Jenkins (32, 25), Roelof Smit (19, 5), Andre Warner (6, 5), Manie Libbok (2, 0), Duncan Mathews (6, 15).
Notes:

•The Vodacom Bulls are undefeated in their last five games against the Sharks (W4, D1); their longest ever run without a loss against them.
•Adriaan Strauss will extend his Vodacom Super Rugby record to 150 games, the most of any South African in the tournament.

VODACOM BULLS AND BLUE BULLS TO RECONNECT WITH CLUB COMMUNITIES

The Vodacom Blue Bulls Currie Cup squad accompanied by John Mitchell and a number of Vodacom Super Rugby players will have three training sessions at clubs in the Pretoria region.

According to Mr Willem Strauss, President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, this forms part of a strategy to reconnect the team with the community. “We want to create heroes and role models for our club communities and supporters, and we hope that this strategy will contribute,” Strauss elaborated.

The team will be training at the various clubs, which will be followed by a signing session and an opportunity for the club players and coaches to interact with Mitchell and the professional players.

Trainings sessions will be held at Tuine Rugby Club on 19 April 2018, Noordelikes Rugby Club where Dragons are based on 3 May 2018 and at Centurion Rugby Club on 17 May 2018. We trust that this will lead to more training sessions at clubs in future.

BBRU appoint Interim President

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BBRU appoint Interim President

 

Following the resignation of former BBRU president Gert Wessels, the BBRU today announced that Willem Strauss, Vice President for the past 4 years, has been appointed as the Interim President until November 2018.

 

He attended Sand du Plessis High School in Bloemfontein, and furthered his education at the University of the Free State. In 1991 at the tender age of 24 Strauss was appointed as Manager and Executive officer of the South-Eastern Transvaal Rugby Union (Mpumalanga Rugby Union). He held this position for eight years until 1999, elevating them from 22 to 5 on the South African provincial rugby rankings, creating a formidable team beating the likes of Transvaal, Northern Transvaal and Western Province in various Cup matches in the late 1990s. They also defeated Scotland and Wales in that time period. Strauss was also responsible for securing huge sponsorships from inter alia Sasol to assist in improving South-Eastern Rugby.

 

Between 1996 and 1999 he also filled the roll of Marketing Manager of the Northern Bulls Super12 franchise. He thereafter established his own promotion company that specializes in promoting rugby tournaments, events, incoming and outgoing tours of teams to inter alia Africa, Europe, USA, South America, Samoa, Tonga, Fiji, and Dubai.

 

He arranged a test between Samoa and the Springboks, which was the first ever by a private promoter. The @tlantic tournament which he was responsible for drew more than a 1000 school teams. He also played a leading role in establishing 7s rugby in South Africa, and in 2017 he promoted the tours of the SA Barbarians (club players) to the Czech Republic.

 

He is married to Elmarie Strauss and has four children, Hermias, Enan, Marlizca and Mishke, and is also the step-brother of the Springbok flyhalf, De Wet Ras.

 

The Blue Bulls Rugby Union and the Blue Bulls Company would like to congratulate him on being elected, and would like to wish him everything of the best in this new role.

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

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.