Vodacom Bulls beef up for New Nation Pumas battle

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Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White, will once again take the reins for the Carling Currie Cup clash against the New Nation Pumas, following his return from Italy.

Simphiwe Matanzima is the only player in this weekend’s match-23 that played in last weekend’s Currie Cup match against DHL Western Province, with the bulk of the squad now expectedly being made up of the players that represented in the Rainbow Cup final last weekend.

Hooker Schalk Erasmus will be propped up in the front row by Springbok Lizo Gqoboka and Mornay Smith, with Walt Steenkamp and Janko Swanepoel adding their weight to the tight five. Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar will get a well-deserved break this weekend after putting in weeks on the trot in the Rainbow Cup.

The Loose trio remains unchanged from the one that did battle in Italy a week ago, with Marcell Coetzee once again leading the boys in blue from the back of the scrum. Nizaam Carr and Ruan Nortje will don the number six and seven jerseys respectively, and will no doubt bring the intense work rate that we have come to expect from them.

Ivan van Zyl and Chris Smith will continue their half-back pairing. While Cornal Hendricks gets a new mid-field partner in Harold Voster. Voster will be making his Vodacom Bulls debut this weekend after racking up a host of caps for the Lions between 2014 and 2019. His last stint before joining the Vodacom Bulls was in Japan for the Panasonic Wild Knights.

Madosh Thambwe and Stravino Jacobs will once again be patrolling the wings, with Gio Aplon returning in the number 15 jersey. The 38-year-old Aplon has fully recovered from a knee injury and is looking as sensational as he always has.

White, is excited about the weekend ahead, “the young and inexperienced group fought hard last weekend against a quality Province team, and even though the result didn’t go our way they still managed to secure a bonus point. This weekend is a big game for us, and we will be looking to get back to winning ways. The Pumas are coming off the back of a good win and they will be looking to hurt us, but we know what is expected of us.”

The game kicks off at 19h00 this evening and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

 *STARTERS:*

  • Gio Aplon (Betway Centurion)
  • Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria)
  • Harold Voster (Northam)
  • Cornal Hendricks (Northam)
  • Stravino Jacobs (Harlequins)
  • Chris Smith (Harlequins)
  • Ivan van Zyl (Tuine)
  • Marcell Coetzee (ABE Midas Naka Bulle – C)
  • Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
  • Nizaam Carr (Betway Centurion)
  • Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria)
  • Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion)
  • Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion)
  • Schalk Erasmus (Tuine)
  • Lizo Gqoboka (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)

*IMPACT:*

  • Sidney Tobias  (Northam)
  • Simphiwe Matanzima (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
  • Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine)
  • Muller Uys (FNB Tuks)
  • WJ Steenkamp (Tuine)
  • Zak Burger (Tuine)
  • FC du Plessis (Betway Centurion)
  • David Kriel (Betway Centurion)
  • Robert Hunt (Harlequins)
  • Ruan Delport (u20)
  • Jaco Labuschagne (Pretoria)
  • Keagan Johannes (FNB Tuks)
  • Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria)

 

 

Jake pays tribute to the ’95 Boks

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Today, 24 June, marks the 26th anniversary of the Springboks lifting the IRB World Cup trophy at Ellis Park in 1995. The world watched in awe as Kitch Christie and his heroic squad defeated an amazing All Blacks team in one of the most memorable rugby matches in our history.

Director of Rugby at the Vodacom Bulls, Jake White, today paid tribute to the heroes in that squad, “I was at the stadium that day, and can clearly remember how intense the atmosphere was. Ellis Park was packed to the rafters and the crowd was really into it. They got behind the Boks at every opportunity, and when Francois lifted that cup it was truly deafening.”

“Not only was the side packed with amazing talent, but they also had one of the most inspirational coaches in Kitch Christie. Kitch was my mentor and has had an unbelievable impact on me as a coach and personally. Here at Loftus, we pride ourselves on heritage and history, so we mustn’t forget just how big of an impact that game and Kitch has had on our rugby today.”

“There were so many moments in that game that stand out, from Madiba walking onto the field, the massive tackles on Jona Lomu, the Joel drop goal, and just the overall guts shown by the team… but the one that will forever be etched in my memory is watching Kitch being lifted onto the shoulders of the players with the trophy aloft in one hand.”

“From myself and everybody at Loftus, a massive thank you to the ’95 Boks for paving the way forward.”

Swanepoel ‘slots’ in for Vodacom Bulls 

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Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White continues to test combinations and positions, with Ruan Nortje shifting to blindside flank opening up space for lock Janko Swanepoel to start in the engine room against the Cell C Sharks at Jonsson Kings Park on Saturday, 12 June 2021.

Nortje’s move to the side of the scrum is a result of the injury to Elrigh Louw, while Springbok loose forward Marcell Coetzee takes over the captaincy and no.8 jumper from the injured Duane Vermeulen, with Marco van Staden covering openside flank against their Durban based opposition.

The rest of the starting line-up remains unchanged.

Springbok Nizaam Carr and Junior Springbok Muller Uys have received call ups to take the places of Swanepoel and Van Staden on the bench respectively.

The trip to Durban marks the end of the PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA regular season, with the Vodacom Bulls going into the game in pole position to contest the North vs South final. The Bulls will be looking to go all out in retaining the top spot, as the Pretoria franchise shifts a gear going into a knockout rugby mindset.

“We have approached this match as if it were a semi-final. Nothing less than a win is good enough. The boys need no further motivation and despite a few injuries, come Saturday we will be focused and determined to execute our plan,” said White.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18h15 with the match being televised live on SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby channels.

Vodacom Bulls:

  • David Kriel (Betway Centurion)
  • Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria)
  • Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria)
  • Cornal Hendricks (Northam)
  • Stravino Jacobs (Harlequins)
  • Morné Steyn (Tuine)
  • Ivan van Zyl (Tuine)
  • Marcell Coetzee (ABE Midas Naka Bulle – C)
  • Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
  • Marco van Staden (Pretoria)
  • Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria)
  • Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion)
  • Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion)
  • Johan Grobbelaar (Tukkies)
  • Gerhard Steenekamp (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)

Replacements:

  • Schalk Erasmus (Tuine)
  • Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine)
  • Trevor Nyakane (Harlequins)
  • Nizaam Carr (Betway Centurion)
  • Muller Uys (Tukkies)
  • Keagan Johannes (Tukkies)
  • Clinton Swart (Tukkies)
  • Gio Aplon (Betway Centurion)
  • Robert Hunt (Harlequins)
  • Jan Uys (Pretoria)
  • Dawid Kellerman (Pretoria)
  • Richard Kriel (Tuine)

Match officials:

  • Referee: AJ Jacobs
  • AR1: Jaco Peyper
  • AR2: Griffin Colby
  • TMO: Stuart Berry

Coetzee to start for Vodacom Bulls against the Storm

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Springbok loose forward Marcell Coetzee will earn his first cap for the Vodacom Bulls when they host the DHL Stormers in their Pro14 Rainbow Cup SA clash at Loftus Versfeld on Friday, 4 June 2021.

Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, has tweaked the starting line-up with scrumhalf Ivan van Zyl returning from injury to partner flyhalf Morné Steyn, while wing Stravino Jacobs reclaims the no.11 jersey in place of James Verity-Amm.

Besides the inclusion of Coetzee at openside flank, Mornay Smith and Gerhard Steenekamp will prop up the scrum alongside hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

Springbok utility back Gio Aplon has recovered from his ACL injury and will add experience off the bench, with fellow Springboks in prop Trevor Nyakane and flank Marco van Staden set to do the same.

“We’ve welcomed back Gio and Ivan from injury while Marcell gets his first start for us. It’s great having experience of this calibre coming back into our system as we head into the busines end of the tournament,” said White.

“The loss against the Lions put things into perspective as we cannot afford even one slip up in terms of the log. We need to make amends for it and there’s not many things tougher than a classic North-South derby,” he added.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19h00 CAT with the match being televised live on SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby channels.

Vodacom Bulls:
15. David Kriel (Betway Centurion)
14. Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria)
13. Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria)
12. Cornal Hendricks (Northam)
11. Stravino Jacobs (Harlequins)
10. Morné Steyn (Tuine)
9. Ivan van Zyl (Tuine)
8. Duane Vermeulen (Harlequins, C)
7. Elrigh Louw (Tukkies)
6. Marcell Coetzee (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
5. Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)
4. Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion)
3. Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion)
2. Johan Grobbelaar (Tukkies)
1. Gerhard Steenekamp (ABE Midas Naka Bulle)

Replacements:

  1. Schalk Erasmus (Tuine)
  2. Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine)
  3. Trevor Nyakane (Harlequins)
  4. Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria)
  5. Marco van Staden (Pretoria)
  6. Zak Burger (Tuine)
  7. Chris Smith (Harlequins)
  8. Gio Aplon (Betway Centurion)
  9. Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Pretoria)
  10. Muller Uys (Tukkies)
  11. Jan Uys (Pretoria)
  12. James Verity-Amm (Pretoria)
  13. Keagan Johannes (Tukkies)

Match officials:

Referee: Jaco Peyper

AR1: AJ Jacobs

AR2: Aimee Barrett-Theron

TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen

BBRU honours “Oom” Frik du Preez

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Frik du Preez, Northern Transvaal (Blue Bulls) Legend and SA’s Player of the 20th Century, was honoured on Monday by the Blue Bulls Rugby Union when the Northern Pavilion at Loftus Versfeld was named after the former Springbok lock.

‘Oom’ Frik, who spent most of his career at lock or on the flanks, was born on 28 November 1935 and represented Northern Transvaal and the Springboks. He represented Springboks on 87 occasions and scored a total of 87 points while in the green jersey.

Du Preez made his test debut for the Springboks on 7 January 1961 on the flank against a powerful English team at Twickenham. He played his last test on 7 August 1971 at the age of 35, wearing the number 4 jersey, against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

He was an excellent all-round footballer that often left crowds and opposition in awe of his skills. The rugby history books record one of his most memorable moments as “DIE DAG WAT FRIK DU PREEZ GEDROP, GEPLACE EN GESCORE HET”…  which describes the 1969 Currie Cup final between Northern Transvaal and Western Province. ‘Oom’ Frik put in a masterful performance that is still talked about today. The legendary lock managed to score in every manner when he kicked a penalty and a drop goal, before scoring a try and converting it. Northern Transvaal won the match 28-13.

Although he was not particularly tall standing at 1.89m, he was a tower of strength in the line-out. In addition, he had a fantastic turn of speed and fine running skills with ball in hand, as he showed in the try he scored against the British Lions in 1968.

 According to Willem Strauss, president of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, honoring ‘Oom’ Frik further enhances the strategy to keep their values, traditions, and history strong. This also includes bringing back the light blue jersey, the Daisy and making the Carlton League strong again.

“Oom Frik is an all-time legend and thanks to him, the players before him and those that followed, Loftus Versfeld and the Vodacom Bulls became iconic in the world of rugby.”

Frik du Preez said that this accolade was a tremendous honor for him, and he would like to thank the BBRU for honoring him in this way, “I see this as a tribute to all former Northern Transvaal and Bulls players. Rugby is a team sport, and without my teammates, I would not have been able to achieve the success I did.”

Renaming the North Pavilion after Frik du Preez, forms part of the upgrading of the pavilion which will also include a Bulls Museum.

Vodacom Bulls Botha and Nyakane return to action

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Springboks Arno Botha and Trevor Nyakane have been drafted into the matchday team that will host the Cell C Sharks in their Rainbow Cup SA clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 15 May 2021.

The duo’s inclusion at blindside flank and replacement prop sets the stage for an expected battle of epic proportions amongst the forwards.

A nod to Springbok flank Marco van Staden whose 22 tackles against the DHL Stormers disrupted proceedings to such an extent that their attack was stifled on several occasions.

The only other change sees flank Elrigh Louw shifting to the bench.

The top of the table clash between the current frontrunners is a tantalising thought with both teams enjoying victories over each other, and this weekend’s meeting shall be no different according to Vodacom Bulls: Director of Rugby, Jake White.

“We’ve had a few epic battles thus far and the Sharks will be keen to get one over us at Loftus as it is something they’ve yet to do,” said White.

“The forward tussle is going to set the tone while both backlines are brimming with relentless talent so it should make for an exciting but hard encounter,” he added.

Kick-off is scheduled for 18h15 with the match being broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby channels.

Vodacom Bulls:

  1. David Kriel (Centurion)
  2. Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria)
  3. Marco Janse van Vuren (Pretoria)
  4. Cornal Hendricks (Northam)
  5. Stravino Jacobs (Harlequins)
  6. Morné Steyn (Tuine)
  7. Embrose Papier (Tukkies)
  8. Duane Vermeulen (Harlequins, C)
  9. Arno Botha (Naka Bulle)
  10. Marco van Staden (Pretoria)
  11. Ruan Nortje (Naka Bulle)
  12. Walt Steenkamp (Centurion)
  13. Mornay Smith (Centurion)
  14. Johan Grobbelaar (Tukkies)
  15. Gerhard Steenekamp (Nake Bulle)

Replacements:

  1. Schalk Erasmus (Tuine)
  2. Lizo Gqoboka (Naka Bulle)
  3. Trevor Nyakane (Harlequins)
  4. Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria)
  5. Elrigh Louw (Tukkies)
  6. Zak Burger (Tuine)
  7. Chris Smith (Harlequins)
  8. James Verity-Amm (Pretoria)
  9. Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine)
  10. Reinhardt Ludwig (U20)
  11. Nizaam Carr (Centurion)
  12. Keagan Johannes (Tukkies)

Match officials:

  • Referee: Jaco Peyper
  • AR1: Griffon Colby
  • AR2: Paul Mente
  • TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen

Confirmation of final four rounds of PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA

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The big PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA clash between the leaders on the log, the Vodacom Bulls and Cell C Sharks, kicks off at 18h15 on Saturday, while the Emirates Lions host the DHL Stormers earlier in the day.

The match at Emirates Airline Park will kick-off at 13h30 on Saturday and is part of a list of confirmed fixtures released by the organisers on Tuesday.

The kick-off times and venues for the final three rounds of the PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA were also confirmed, with the competition headed for a thrilling final round on Saturday, 12 June, when the two coastal sides welcome their two inland opponents to Cape Town and Durban.

After two strong performances in the opening rounds, the Cell C Sharks lead the standings with a full-house of 10 log points, followed by the Vodacom Bulls on eight.

The DHL Stormers, who were edged by four and three points respectively in their first two matches by the teams at the top of the log, are third on two points, while the Emirates Lions are on one – a four-try bonus-point they got for fighting until the end in their clash in Durban last weekend.

PRO14 RAINBOW CUP SA FIXTURES – ROUNDS 3-6

 Saturday 15 May

13h30: Emirates Lions v DHL Stormers (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)

18h15: Vodacom Bulls v Cell C Sharks (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

Saturday 22 May

13h00: Cell C Sharks v DHL Stormers (Jonsson Kings Park, Durban)

15h30: Emirates Lions v Vodacom Bulls (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)

Friday 4 June

19h00: Vodacom Bulls v DHL Stormers (Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria)

 Saturday 5 June

16h00: Emirates Lions v Cell C Sharks (Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg)

Saturday 12 June

16h00: DHL Stormers v Emirates Lions (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town)

18h15: Cell C Sharks v Vodacom Bulls (Jonsson Kings Park, Durban)

 

Note: All fixtures are subject to change.

Vermeulen returns for North-South derby

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Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has adjusted his match-day squad slightly as they prepare to travel to the Cape where they will face the DHL Stormers at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, 8 May 2021.

Headlining the changes is the return of Springbok no.8 and #TrueToTheBlue captain Duane Vermeulen. He will resume the captaincy from fellow Springbok Nizaam Carr with Carr dropping to the bench, from where he will be looking to undoubtedly provide a crucial impact when called upon.

The backs have been adjusted slightly with a direct exchange as James Verity-Amm and Chris Smith switching out for David Kriel and Morné Steyn respectively.

The heavy men up front will only see one other change, outside of the return of Vermeulen, with Walt Steenkamp starting in the number 4 jumper as Janko Swanepoel shifts to the bench.

The Vodacom Bulls boasts a bench packed oozing with talent and like last weekend, will provide fresh legs and more energy.

“Last week certainly proved how vital it is that we continue getting as much competitive rugby under our belts,” said White. “The players need little motivation for another brutal North-South derby and we are definitely up for the challenge against a solid DHL Stormers outfit.”

Kick-off is scheduled for 18:15 with the match being broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby channels.

Vodacom Bulls (with clubs):

  1. David Kriel (Centurion)
  2. Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria)
  3. Marco Jansen van Vuren (Pretoria)
  4. Cornal Hendricks (Northam)
  5. Stravino Jacobs (Harlequins)
  6. Morné Steyn (Tuine)
  7. Embrose Papier (Tukkies)
  8. Duane Vermeulen (Harlequins, Captain)
  9. Elrigh Louw (Tukkies)
  10. Marco van Staden (Pretoria)
  11. Ruan Nortje (Naka Bulle)
  12. Walt Steenkamp (Centurion)
  13. Mornay Smith (Centurion)
  14. Johan Grobbelaar (Tukkies)
  15. Gerhard Steenekamp (Naka Bulle)

Replacements:

  1. Schalk Erasmus (Tuine)
  2. Lizo Gqoboka (Naka Bulle)
  3. Jacques van Rooyen (Tuine)
  4. Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria)
  5. Nizaam Carr (Centurion)
  6. Zak Burger (Tuine)
  7. Chris Smith (Harlequins)
  8. James Verity-Amm (Pretoria)

 

  1. Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Under 20)
  2. Reinhardt Ludwig (Under 20)
  3. Arno Botha (Naka Bulle)
  4. Keagan Johannes (Tukkies)
  5. Janco Uys (Tuine)

Voster becomes #TrueToTheBlue

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The Blue Bulls Company is delighted to announce the signing of centre Harold Voster, who returns to South Africa from Japan. Voster enjoyed a stellar career across the Jukskei where he represented the Xerox Golden Lions and Emirates Lions accumulating 70 caps in the Vodacom Super Rugby and 17 more in the Currie Cup.

In 2018, the hard-running centre made the move to Japan where he turned out for the Panasonic Wild Knights. Voster has established himself as a no-nonsense centre who wields blistering pace and explosive strength which was rewarded in 2017 as he donned the South Africa A jersey against the French Barbarians.

“Attracting the type of talent Harold possesses is exactly what we are looking for at Loftus Versfeld. His signing adds immense depth to our backs and we are keen to see what he brings to the table,” said Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.

Video Link: https://fb.watch/5jn9RhNS_a/

VODACOM BULLS STARS JOIN THEIR CLUBS!

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In a bold and exciting move to help synergise and foster better relationships with the rugby clubs in Pretoria, Vodacom Bulls contracted players were allocated to the Carlton League clubs via a draft system, similar to the one used in the NFL.  No less than 11 players will make their Carlton league debut on Saturday, 8 May 2021, when the 2021 Carlton League season kicks off. For the first time in more than a decade, professional players from the Vodacom Bulls will be in action at club level.

  • ABE Midas Naka Bulls: Werner Gouws, Diego Appollis, Jay-Cee Nel
  • Harlequins Rugby Club: Henco Beukes, Mhleli Dlamini (Giraffe)
  • Centurion Rugby Club: Bernard van der Linde
  • Tuine Rugby Club: WJ Steenkamp, Janco Uys, Richard Kriel, Schalk Erasmus
  • Pretoria Rugby Club: Dawid Kellerman

According to Willem Strauss, President of the Blue Bulls Rugby Union, making club rugby relevant and growing the game at the community level is as important as winning trophies.

“In the last three years we have implemented several strategies and initiatives to make club rugby relevant again. We have aligned our professional and amateur structures to create pathways for club players to our professional under-20 and under-21 teams. No less than seven club players form part of the current professional under-20 squad. We also revived our iconic Loftus 200 team and expanded the Carlton League to include two more clubs. We also initiated an extremely successful Volcano under-20 league, which acted as a feeder source to numerous under 20 provincial teams in the country.”

“This initiative will connect local community rugby with the professional structures of the union again. I would like to thank our shareholders for their contribution towards the commercial requirements of the players. Without their support, this initiative would not have been possible.”

Jake White, Director of Rugby at the BBCo, said that to strengthen club structures, most of the players will be serving their clubs when not being selected for the week’s squad. Although they will not necessarily participate in club matches, players such as Duane Vermeulen, Trevor Nyakane, and Morné Steyn will be attending at least two social events at the relevant club.

White confirmed that he was part of a similar programme while at the Brumbies, “It is important that players associate with their local clubs. They must understand club structures and being part of club rugby. According to SARU’s Constitution, a player must be affiliated to a club to play provincial rugby.”

See below the complete list of affiliations:

CENTURION RUGBY CLUB: Gio Aplon, Bernard van der Linde, Mornay Smith, Travis Ismaiel, Nizaam Carr, David Kriel, Walt Steenkamp, Kurt-Lee Arendse

HARLEQUINS RUGBY CLUB: Duane Vermeulen, Mhleli Dlamini, Henco Beukes, Sintu Manjezi, Trevor Nyakane, Chris Smith, Stravino Jacobs, Joe van Zyl

NAKA BULLE: Werner Gouws, Diego Appollis, Simphiwe Matanzima, Arno Botha, Ruan Nortje, Lizo Gqoboka, Jay-Cee Nel, Gerhard Steenkamp

PRETORIA RUGBY CLUB: Janko Swanepoel, James Verity-Amm, Jan Uys, Jaco Labuschagne, Dawid Kellerman, Marco van Staden, Madosh Tambwe, Marco Jansen van Vuren

TUINE RUGBY CLUB: WJ Steenkamp, Richard Kriel, Janco Uys, Jacques van Rooyen, Morné Steyn, Schalk Erasmus, Ivan van Zyl, Zak Burger

TUKKIES: Clinton Swart, Marnus Potgieter, Muller Uys, Keagan Johannes, Embrose Papier, Elrigh Louw, Johan Grobbelaar, Tim Agaba

NORTHAM RUGBY CLUB: Cornal Hendriks, Stedman Gans

The following fixtures will be played on Saturday, 8 May 2021 at 16:00:

  • Naka Bulls vs Harlequin
  • Centurion vs Northam
  • Tuine vs Pretoria