VODACOM BULLS TO FRONT UP AGAINST CELL C SHARKS

VODACOM SUPER RUGBY – ROUND 12

Lessons were learnt in the Vodacom Bulls 29-17 loss to the DHL Stormers last weekend with the Capetonians controlling the match upfront. The men from Pretoria have reloaded and will be looking for blood as they keep one eye on the knockout stages of the competition.

It was not all doom and gloom for the Vodacom Bulls as they continue to play an attractive brand of rugby with the team attacking with intent. An area of concern will be defending directly after they have scored as it is in this area that they’ve struggled in recent weeks.

But in fairness, nothing can be taken away from the performance of the DHL Stormers on the day. They look a completely different side when they play on their home ground and having captain, Siya Kolisi, celebrating his 100th cap gave them that extra bit of motivation to get the job done.

TEAM NEWS

The Vodacom Bulls will want to return to winning ways at Loftus Versfeld when they host the Cell C Sharks in Round 13 of Vodacom Super Rugby.

The Cell C Sharks have kept a relatively unchanged match day squad from the one that beat the Highlanders last weekend with head coach, Robert du Preez, making only two changes.

Flank Jacques Vermeulen comes in for Philip van der Walt on the side of the scrum while hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle will warm the bench in place of Franco Marais.

The Vodacom Bulls will have to contend with another opposing team milestone as Ralepelle will play in his 100th Vodacom Super Rugby match should he come off the bench while barnstorming inside centre, Andre Esterhuizen, will earn his 50th cap and the visitors will want to make it a winning memory for them.

The Vodacom Bulls welcome back wing Travis Ismaiel and prop Trevor Nyakane as head coach, John Mitchell, adjusted his team ahead of this crucial derby. Marco van Staden starts at no.8 with Thembelani Bholi joining Divan Rossouw on the bench.