The Vodacom Bulls XV have once again been forced into sweeping changes, naming three more debutants for Saturday’s crucial Currie Cup clash against the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld.
Injuries have disrupted Phiwe Nomlomo’s side throughout the opening month of the competition, forcing another reshuffle as they look to snap a three-match losing streak.
Bottom of the Currie Cup standings after three rounds, the Bulls return home knowing victory is vital to reignite their campaign against a tough Pumas side.
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No 8 Dieter Schubert will make his first Currie Cup start, while lock Jacques Swarts and hooker Jon Hobson are set to earn their debuts from the bench.
The latest additions take the number of players handed Bulls debuts this season to 23 in just four matches, underlining the extent of the squad’s injury problems.
There are also key changes in the backline, with captain Keagan Johannes shifting to scrumhalf to direct play, while experienced utility back Devon Williams takes over at flyhalf.
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Despite their difficult start, the Bulls will hope home advantage can spark a turnaround in what is shaping up to be a pivotal fixture.
Victory would not only lift morale but also keep their Currie Cup campaign alive heading into the second half of the league phase.
BULLS XV – 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Riyaad Bam, 13 Demitre Erasmus, 12 Christiaan Vlok, 11 Lindsey Jansen, 10 Devon Williams, 9 Keagan Johannes (c), 8 Dieter Schubert, 7 Abongile Nonkontwana, 6 Kebotile Maake, 5 Sintu Manjezi, 4 Johnathan Eloff, 3 Jean Erasmus, 2 Siphosethu Mnebelele, 1 Dylan Smith.
Bench: 16 Jon Hobson, 17 Damian Baker, 18 Dian Coetzee, 19 Jacques Swarts, 20 Cephas van Biljon, 21 Thomas Beling, 22 Brooklyn Newman, 23 Aka Boqwana.
Photo: Danie van der Lith/Gallo Images
The post Williams at 10 as Bulls ring changes appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
The Vodacom Bulls XV have once again been forced into sweeping changes, naming three more debutants for Saturday’s crucial Currie Cup clash against the Pumas at Loftus Versfeld.
The post Williams at 10 as Bulls ring changes appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
