Vermeulen returns for North-South derby

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)