Nama Xaba will lead a youthful Vodacom Bulls outfit determined to erase the memory of last year’s shock defeat to Boland when they kick off their Currie Cup campaign in Wellington on Sunday.
Coach Phiwe Nomlomo has backed youth and depth for the opening-round clash, naming a matchday squad that includes eight Currie Cup debutants and five club players as the Bulls begin their quest for a first title since 2021.
Versatile loose forward Xaba captains the side after the squad completed what Nomlomo described as a productive pre-season, with the Bulls coach confident his team can mount a serious title challenge.
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There is a welcome boost with the return of Dylan Smith, who is back in action after spending almost a year on the sidelines through injury.
Experienced playmaker Keagan Johannes will steer the team from flyhalf, while exciting young centres PA van Niekerk and Demitre Erasmus form an eye-catching midfield combination.
The Bulls will also hand debuts to two former Sharks youngsters. Ex-SA U20 wing Hakeem Kunene earns his first appearance in the famous light blue jersey, while former Sharks and Junior Bok teammate Mawande Mdanda is set to make his debut at tighthead prop.
The Bulls’ commitment to developing young talent is reflected in the eight players set to make their Currie Cup debuts: Jaundre Schoeman, Damian Baker, Dian Coetzee, Cephas van Biljon, Chinedu Amadi, Viaan Mentoor, Christiaan Vlok and JJ Motlhodi.
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The matchday 23 also features five club players, underlining the franchise’s belief in the strength of Pretoria’s club rugby structures and the pathway they provide into professional rugby.
BULLS XV – 15 Devon Williams, 14 Hakeem Kunene, 13 Demitre Erasmus, 12 PA van Niekerk, 11 Riyaad Bam, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Brooklyn Newman, 8 JJ Theron, 7 Abongile Nonkotwana, 6 Nama Xaba (c), 5 Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, 4 Sintu Manjezi, 3 Mawande Mdanda, 2 Jaundre Schoeman, 1 Dylan Smith.
Bench: 16 Shaun Schürmann, 17 Damian Baker, 18 Dian Coetzee, 19 Cephas van Biljon, 20 Chinedu Amadi, 21 Viaan Mentoor, 22 Christiaan Viok, 23 JJ Motlhodi.
Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
The post Xaba leads Bulls’ Boland mission appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Nama Xaba will lead a youthful Vodacom Bulls outfit determined to erase the memory of last year’s shock defeat to Boland when they kick off their Currie Cup campaign in Wellington on Sunday.
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