Flyhalf Curwin Bosch is among four Springboks named in the Vodacom Bulls starting XV for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour match against the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Fullback Willie le Roux, scrumhalf Embrose Papier and flank Marcell Coetzee also bring valuable experience to Johan Ackermann’s side.
One of the biggest talking points is the return of Hanro Liebenberg. The hard-working loose forward is back in Pretoria after a successful stint with the Leicester Tigers and slots straight into the starting XV.
There is also considerable interest around Bosch, who returns to South Africa after two years in France. The gifted flyhalf has built a reputation as one of the game’s most dangerous attacking playmakers and prolific point scorers.
BOSCH: My best is good enough for Boks
The selection also rewards dynamic No 8 Jeandré Rudolph, one of the standout performers from the Bulls’ 2025-26 Vodacom URC campaign.
Recent arrivals fullback Hakeem Kunene and winger Thaakir Abrahams have been named on the bench.
History suggests the Bulls’ challenge ahead will be a formidable one.
In four previous meetings dating back to 1949, the All Blacks have won three. The one exception remains one of the most celebrated victories in South African provincial rugby history, when Northern Transvaal defeated New Zealand 29-27 in August 1976, almost exactly 50 years ago.
COETZEE: Bulls have to be clinical
BULLS – 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Alu Tshakweni.
Bench: 16 Jaundre Schoeman, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Hakeem Kunene.
Photo: Vodacom Bulls
The post Bulls get Bok boost for All Blacks clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine.
Flyhalf Curwin Bosch is among four Springboks named in the Vodacom Bulls starting XV for the Rugby’s Greatest Rivalry tour match against the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The post Bulls get Bok boost for All Blacks clash appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Read More
