‘We can only get better from here’ – Arno Botha

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Vodacom Bulls loose-forward, Arno Botha, is confident that the side will improve in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship. Botha, one of a handful of players in the squad who are familiar with playing in Europe following a two-year stint at Irish club, Munster, indicated that the side was not deflated by the defeat to four-time champions, Leinster Rugby, in the opening round at the weekend.

“We can only get better from here. We just need to make the step up,” he said. “It’s not going to be a train-smash, we will make that step up. It’s not the end of the world, it was only the first game and there are still 20 more games to play.”

The Vodacom Bulls will now face another Irish outfit, Connacht Rugby, in Round 2 in Galway on Friday.

The 29-year-old Botha expects another touch encounter this week. “They say that playing in Connacht (Galway) is like playing in Kimberley, but totally different. It’s not going to be dry and hot, but it’s going to be cold and wet.

“We know they will just keep coming at us, and it will be a nice battle. It will be wet and we will have to be more clinical.”

The Vodacom Bulls’ match against Connacht Rugby will kick off at 20h35 on Friday, and it will be televised on SuperSport.

Duane Vermeulen leaves Vodacom Bulls

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The Vodacom Bulls can confirm the departure of captain and Springbok loose-forward, Duane Vermeulen, who will be joining Irish team, Ulster Rugby.

The 35-year-old joined the Vodacom Bulls in 2020, where he had an immediate impact as he led the Tshwane-based side to the Carling Currie Cup title and was also instrumental in the journey to the final of the 2020/21 United Rugby Championship.

Vermeulen, who is currently representing the Springboks in the Rugby Championship in Australia, will officially join Ulster Rugby at the conclusion of the end-year Test matches.

Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, said: “We are sad to see Duane leaving the Vodacom Bulls. He has been a key figure in our setup since his arrival in 2020 and his influence, both on and off the field, has been immense. We wish him the very best for his future at Ulster Rugby.”

Vodacom Bulls sign Bismarck du Plessis

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The Vodacom Bulls have finalised an exciting signing with the acquisition of experienced Springbok hooker, Bismarck du Plessis.  The 2007 World Cup-winning hooker, who has a total of 79 tests to his name, will join the Tshwane-based side following a six-year stint at French club Montpellier.

The 37-year-old’s road to Loftus Versfeld began in his home province, Free State, where he represented the Toyota Cheetahs in 2003 before moving to the coast to join the Sharks, where he spent the next decade from 2005. It was in 2015 that his tenure at Montpellier began.

“We are really pleased to have secured Bismarck’s signature,” said Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.

“Bismarck is the calibre of player we want here at Loftus – somebody who has a lot to offer on the field of play, and also vast experience that he can impart on the youngsters. There is no doubt that guys like Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Joe van Zyl, Johan Grobbelaar and Schalk Erasmus will gain plenty from his presence.”

Vodacom Bulls U20 expect tough WP battle

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The Vodacom Bulls Under-20 side is bracing themselves for a tough SA Rugby Under-20 Championship encounter when they take on their DHL Western Province counterparts at DHL Newlands on Friday. 

Following their emphatic 56-8 victory over Toyota Free State U20 last weekend, the Tshwane-based side will go into the match with their tails up, hoping to retain their spot at the top of the log table. 

The rivals from the Cape will be equally charged after they too claimed a powered 65-0 win over Eastern Province U20 a week ago.

Once again, the Vodacom Bulls U20 side will be led by Rynard Mouton as the captain. 

Vodacom Bulls U20 head coach, Wessel du Plessis said: “The players showed what they are capable of with the dominant performance that was produced against the Toyota Free State U20 side last week. This week we have been working on improving even further on the things we did well, while rectifying areas that need tweaking. 

“It will be a tough match against DHL Western Province. They have also had some good performances, especial their result from last week. We expect them to come hard at us, and we will need to be equal to the task.”

The match in Cape Town will kick-off at 12h00. 

The Vodacom Bulls U20 side to take on DHL Western Province U20 is: 

 

STARTERS: 
Jandre Burger
Tharquin Manuel
Canan Moodie 
Niel Beukes 
Bayanda Ngubane 
FC du Plessis
Tiaan Fourie 
Cameron Hanekom 
Willie Potgieter 
Rynard Mouton – Captain 
Ruan Delport

Raynard Roets 
Sebastian Lombard 
Keagan Potgieter 
Cebo Dhlamini 

 

IMPACT: 
Gideon Serfontein 
Tielman Nieuwoudt 
Ntokozo Hlope 
Hardus Rothmann 
Chulumanco Mfakadolo 
Johan Muller 
Sonwabo Sokoyi 
Geraldo Flusk 
Eric Basson 

 



VODACOM BULLS READY FOR FINAL ROUND CLASH AGAINST TOYOTA CHEETAHS

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The Vodacom Bulls have made a hand full of changes to their starting XV that will take on the Toyota Cheetahs in their final round match of the Carling Currie Cup on Saturday.

The Tshwane-based side will head into the clash at Loftus Versfeld having made some changes to the team that claimed a 26-33 victory over the New Nation Pumas at Mbombela Stadium a fortnight ago.

The backline will see the return of David Kriel at fullback, where he takes the place of Sibongile Novuka, and Madosh Tambwe has been included at wing where he replaces Stravino Jacobs while at scrumhalf Zak Burger is rested as Marco Jansen van Vuren takes over the reins.

In the forwards pack, Jan-Hendrik Wessels will buckle down at hooker with Schalk Erasmus providing cover on the bench this week, while WJ Steenkamp gets a starting berth at blindside flank.

On the bench, winger Ruan Combrinck will make his long-awaited appearance since joining the side at the start of July. The Springbok is set to add firepower and experience should he take to the field.

Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, said ahead of Saturday’s clash: “It has been a gruelling past few weeks of competitive rugby in the round stages of the Carling Currie Cup, where the team has seen plenty of learning and growth while being tested by quality opposition.

“Yes, we are close to the business end of the competition – the playoffs – but we still have a tough Toyota Cheetahs team to face in this final round. They too will be out to end their campaign on a high note, while we will be intent on drawing closer to that perfect game which will be needed in the knockout stages.”

The match will kick off at 16h45 and will be televised on SuperSport.

The Vodacom Bulls team to take on the Toyota Cheetahs is:

STARTERS:
David Kriel (Betway Centurion)
Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria)
Lionel Mapoe (Pretoria)
Cornal Hendricks (Northam)
Kurt-Lee Arendse (Betway Centurion)
Johan Goosen (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria)
Elrigh Louw (FNB Tuks)
WJ Steenkamp (Tuine)
Arno Botha (ABE Midas Naka Bulle) – Captain 
Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria)
Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion)
Jan-Hendrik Wessels (U20)
Gerhard Steenekamp (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)

IMPACT:
Joe van Zyl (Harlequins)
Simphiwe Matanzima (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine)
Jacques du Plessis (FNB Tuks)
Jaco Labuschagne (Pretoria)
Keagan Johannes (FNB Tuks)
Chris Smith (Harlequins)
Ruan Combrinck (Tuine)

Schalk Erasmus (Tuine)
Reinhard Ludwig (U20)
Rynardt Roets (U20)

VODACOM BULLS U20 EAGER FOR FS CHEETAHS ENCOUNTER

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A strong and exciting Vodacom Bulls Under-20 side has been selected to take on their Toyota Free State counterparts in an SA Rugby Under-20 Championship encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Friday afternoon.

On the back of a hard-fought 31-33 win away from home against the Cell C Sharks U20 team in their previous fixture, the Vodacom Bulls U20 side will go into the match high in confidence. So too will the spirited opponents from Bloemfontein, who claimed a 24-18 victory over Eastern Province U20 a fortnight ago.

The determined Vodacom Bulls U20 side will be led by captain Rynard Mouton, while Canan Moodie will lead the charges from the backline as vice-captain.

Among the changes made by head coach, Wessel du Plessis, ahead of the game is the inclusion of FC du Plessis at flyhalf. The versatile player has previously turned out at fullback with great composure.

The head coach looked ahead to the clash: “We are already seeing signs of growth as a team, and we have had some excellent preparations since our last fixture two weeks ago.

“We are looking forward to a tough, but exciting match against a quality Free State Cheetahs U20 side that has also shown what they are capable of. We have made a few changes in our effort to utilise the depth of our squad. As such, we also have some quality players who will provide cover from the bench.”

The match will kick off at 13h00 on Friday.

The Vodacom Bulls U20 team for the match is:

STARTERS:
Niel Beukes
Tharquin Manuel
Bayanda Ngubane
Canan Moodie (Vice Captain) 
Carlton Banies
FC du Plessis
Tiaan Fourie
Willie Potgieter
Reinhardt Ludwig
Rynard Mouton (Captain) 
Tiaan de Klerk
Raynard Roets
Sebastian Lombard
Enrique Coutriers
Cebo Dhlamini

IMPACT:
Tielman Nieuwoudt
Keagan Potgieter
Ntokozo Hlope
Ruan Delport
Cameron Hanekom
Johan Muller
Chulumanco Mfakadolo
Eric Basson
Jandre Burger
Keane Gelant
Geraldo Flusk

NOVUKA TO START AGAINST NEW NATION PUMAS

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Talented fullback, Sibongile Novuka, will earn his first start for the Vodacom Bulls when they take on New Nation Pumas in a Carling Currie Cup clash today.

Novuka, who has come off the bench in two previous outings this season, is among several changes to a new-look backline, which will include a midfield pairing of Cornal Hendricks and Stedman Gans, while Johan Goosen and Zak Burger will partner once again for the halfback combination.

Arno Botha will again lead the side as captain while spearheading a forwards pack that will see No8, Elrigh Louw, returning to the starting XV after being utilised from the bench against the Cell C Sharks at the weekend.

Hooker Schalk Erasmus, together with props Gerhard Steenekamp and Mornay Smith, will also start the match in the front row at Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit.

Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, said: “This is our penultimate match in the round-robin stages, so it is important that we give it our best shot in the remaining matches to secure a spot in the playoffs.

“We had the opportunity to rotate the team in some positions at the weekend, and it paid off. We have done the same for this midweek game to give the players enough opportunity to contribute to the team. We are looking forward to seeing what the likes of Novuka can offer from the start of the match after having shown his worth from the bench in previous encounters.

“The New Nation Pumas will be a tough competitor, especially at home in Nelspruit. They do not occupy third position on the log by accident – they have been strong competitors throughout this campaign.”

The mach will kick-off at 14h30, and it will be televised on SuperSport.

The Vodacom Bulls team is:

STARTERS:
15. Sibongile Novuka (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
14. Kurt-Lee Arendse (Betway Centurion)
13. Stedman Gans (Northam)
12. Cornal Hendricks (Northam)
11. Stravino Jacobs (Harlequins)
10. Johan Goosen (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
9. Zak Burger (Tuine)
8. Elrigh Louw (FNB Tuks)
7. Muller Uys (FNB Tuks)
6. Arno Botha (ABE Midas Naka Bulle) – Captain
5. Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
4. Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria)
3. Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion)
2. Schalk Erasmus (Tuine)
1. Gerhard Steenekamp (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)

 

IMPACT:
16. Jan-Hendrik Wessels (U20)
17. Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine)
18. Mhleli Dlamini (Harlequins)
19. Reinhardt Ludwig (U20)
20. WJ Steenkamp (Tuine)
21. Keagan Johannes (FNB Tuks)
22. Chris Smith (Harlequins)
23. Lionel Mapoe (Pretoria)

  1. Nolan Pienaar (U20)
  2. Reinhardt Roets (U20)
  3. Joe van Zyl (Harlequins)
  4. Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria)
  5. Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria)

BOTHA TO LEAD MUCH-CHANGED VODACOM BULLS SIDE AGAINST SIGMA LIONS

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Arno Botha will captain a much-changed Vodacom Bulls side that will take on the Sigma Lions in a Carling Currie Cup clash at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides are on the back of high-scoring mid-week fixtures which saw the Vodacom Bulls emerge emphatic 56-33 winners over Tafel Lager Griquas on Wednesday, while their rivals from across the Jukskei River played to a scintillating 44-44 tie with the Toyota Cheetahs.

With an expectation of a gruelling contest in Johannesburg, Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has opted to use the rotation policy to full effect with a total of nine changes made to the starting XV for Saturday’s clash, with the bulk of the starters from the mid-week game providing cover from the bench this weekend.

Among the changes is the half-back pairing of Keagan Johannes, at scrumhalf, and flyhalf Chris Smith who will receive starting berths. There will also be a changed front row as props Simphiwe Matanzima and Jacques van Rooyen will buckle down alongside hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels for the clash.

Looking ahead to the game, White said: “We have yet another short turnaround from our previous match. It is therefore imperative that we utilise our squad effectively and implement our rotational policy wisely.

“We are at a crucial stage of the competition where teams are jostling for spots in the playoffs, and the Sigma Lions are very much in the race for a top four finish. Therefore, we expect them to come out guns blazing this weekend, and we will need to be on high alert and ready to counter whatever they throw at us.”

The match will kick off at 13h30 on Saturday, and it will be televised on SuperSport.

The Vodacom Bulls team to face the Sigma Lions is:

 

STARTERS:
David Kriel (Betway Centurion)
Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria)
Lionel Mapoe (Pretoria)
Harold Vorster (Northam)
Kurt-Lee Arendse (Betway Centurion)
Chris Smith (Harlequins)
Keagan Johannes (FNB Tuks)
WJ Steenkamp (Tuine)
Muller Uys (FNB Tuks)
Arno Botha (ABE Midas Naka Bulle) – Captain
Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria)
Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion)
Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine)
Jan-Hendrik Wessels (U20)
Simphiwe Matanzima (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)

IMPACT:
Schalk Erasmus (Tuine)
Gerhard Steenekamp (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion)
Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Elrigh Louw (FNB Tuks)
Zak Burger (Tuine)
Johan Goosen (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Stedman Gans (Northam)
Joe van Zyl (Harlequins)
Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria)
Cornal Hendricks (Northam)

Stravino Jacobs (Harlequins)

 

BOTHA, ARENDSE EARN STARTS AGAINST TAFEL LAGER GRIQUAS IN TODAY’S GAME

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Springbok loose-forward, Arno Botha, will make a return to the Vodacom Bulls starting XV when the side takes on Tafel Lager Griquas in a Carling Currie Cup Round 9 fixture at Loftus Versfeld later this afternoon.

Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, has made a handful of the changes to the team that was in action against the Cell C Sharks on Friday.

Botha is one of two changes to the forwards’ pack, where he replaces Muller Uys at blindside flank. Gerhard Steenekamp’s inclusion in the front row, where he takes the place of Lizo Gqoboka at loosehead prop, is the only other change to the front eight.

Lionel Mapoe makes a return to the side where he will feature at outside centre, alongside No.12 Harold Vorster, with Cornal Hendricks making a shift to the right wing. Kurt-Lee Arendse will add firepower on the other wing as he replaces Stedman Gans, who will provide cover from the bench this week.

White said ahead of the game: “We are on the back of a disappointing result against a strong Cell C Sharks side, and now we will face an equally committed and dangerous Tafel Lager Griquas team. The side from Kimberley has proven that they are a strong competitor in this Carling Currie Cup competition.

“It’s a short turnaround time for us, and we have had a few areas we have had to work on in the past few days to ensure that we can be competitive and bounce back this week. We do hope that the changes we have made will yield positive results and that we can be able to play our best rugby again on Wednesday.”

The clash against Tafel Lager Griquas will kick off at 16h45 and will be televised on SuperSport.

The Vodacom Bulls team is:

STARTERS:
David Kriel (Betway Centurion)
Cornal Hendricks (Northam)
Lionel Mapoe (Pretoria)
Harold Vorster (Northam)
Kurt-Lee Arendse (Betway Centurion)
Johan Goosen (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Zak Burger (Tuine)
Elrigh Louw (FNB Tuks)
Arno Botha (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Marcell Coetzee (ABE Midas Naka Bulle) – Captain 
Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion)
Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion)
Schalk Erasmus (Tuine)
Gerhard Steenekamp (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)

IMPACT:
Jan-Hendrik Wessels (U20)
Simphiwe Matanzima (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine)
Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria)
Jacques du Plessis (FNB Tuks)
Keagan Johannes (FNB Tuks)
Chris Smith (Harlequins)
Stedman Gans (Northam)

Joe van Zyl (Harlequins)
Muller Uys (FNB Tuks)
WJ Steenkamp (Tuine)
Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria)
Richard Kriel (Tuine)

GANS, TAMBWE RETURN FOR VODACOM BULLS CLASH AGAINST CELL C SHARKS

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The Vodacom Bulls will go into their Carling Currie Cup clash against the Cell C Sharks with a new-look front row when the two sides face each other at Jonsson Kings Park on Friday night.

With livewire hooker, Johan Grobbelaar, having been called up to the Springbok camp this week following impressive performances in the Vodacom Bulls’ blue colours, Schalk Erasmus has been promoted to the starting XV, where he will be joined by Lizo Gqoboka and Mornay Smith as the new prop combination.

The versatile Cornal Hendricks, who has featured on the right wing in the previous two outings, will make a return to inside centre this week where he will partner up with Harold Vorster, who switches to No.13, for the midfield pairing.

The backline has also received a boost with the return of Stedman Gans from the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games, where he represented the SA Sevens side. Gans will slot into the number 11 jersey on the left wing, with ‘live-wire’ Madosh Tambwe also making a return.

Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, expressed the side’s enthusiasm ahead of the clash in Durban, “It’s another tough week against a Cell C Sharks team that will want to bounce back from their defeat to the Tafel Lager Griquas last weekend.

“It is a top of the table clash, so we can expect a fierce battle with the Cell C Sharks, who will certainly be up for the contest in an effort to topple us from the top of the log. There is definitely a lot to play for and we will have to be at the top of our game in this contest to continue with the momentum we have so far in the competition.

“We are fortunate to be able to count on the experience of players like Lizo, who starts this week. We are also excited to have the likes of Madosh and Stedman back to bolster the squad, while relying on both the experience and exuberance of the bench to close off the game for us.”

The match will kick off at 19h00 and will be televised on SuperSport.

The Vodacom Bulls team is:

STARTERS:
David Kriel (Betway Centurion)
Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria)
Harold Vorster (Northam)
Cornal Hendricks (Northam)
Stedman Gans (Northam)
Johan Goosen (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Zak Burger (Tuine)
Elrigh Louw (FNB Tuks)
Muller Uys (FNB Tuks)
Marcell Coetzee (ABE Midas Naka Bulle) – Captain
Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion)
Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion)
Schalk Erasmus (Tuine)
Lizo Gqoboka (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)

IMPACT:
Jan-Hendrik Wessels (U20)
Simphiwe Matanzima (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Mhleli Dlamini (Harlequins)
Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria)
Arno Botha (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Keagan Johannes (FNB Tuks)
Chris Smith (Harlequins)
Sibongile Novuka (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine)
Reinhardt Ludwig (U20)
WJ Steenkamp (Tuine)
Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria)
Richard Kriel (Tuine)