Ruan Nortjé boost for Bulls as Jake White rings the changes for Zebre URC clash

At long last, the Bulls will be able to call on revered captain Ruan Nortjé in Saturday’s United Rugby Championship clash against Zebre at Loftus Versfeld (2.45pm kick-off).

The No 5 lock has been missing for a number of weeks due to a knee ligament injury, and his absence has been felt as the Bulls have missed a few crucial lineouts in his absence, particularly in the 19-16 defeat to the Stormers.

But Junior Springbok JF van Heerden has been improving in every game in that regard, and will hold onto the No 5 jersey against Zebre, with Nortjé playing off the bench.

Star No 8 Cameron Hanekom, though, is not available after feeling discomfort in his back during last week’s 21-20 victory over Leinster.

Hanekom has been replaced by powerful loose forward Mpilo Gumede at the back of the scrum in a brand-new loose trio featuring skipper Marcell Coetzee – who returns from concussion – and Jannes Kirsten at No 7.

There is a fresh-looking front row as well. Mornay Smith has been rewarded for his heroics in that final scrum against Leinster with a starting berth at tighthead prop, while Jan-Hendrik Wessels will pack down at hooker, with Alulutho Tshakweni getting another opportunity at loosehead prop.

Bulls boss Jake White made a few changes to the backline as well when he named his squad on Friday, with Zak Burger getting a welcome start at scrumhalf alongside flyhalf Keagan Johannes.

Following Willie le Roux’s operation on his neck and shoulder area this week, Devon Williams will slot in at fullback, while Sergeal Petersen comes in for Sebastian de Klerk, who received a two-match ban for a dangerous tackle against Leinster that resulted in a red card.

Anticipating a forwards onslaught from the Italians, White has opted for a six-two bench split, with prop Simphiwe Matanzima back in the mix after illness.

Wilco Louw will make a huge impact in the second half, while Boeta Chamberlain will cover the inside and outside backs.

Bulls Team

15 Devon Williams 14 Sergeal Petersen 13 David Kriel 12 Harold Vorster 11 Stravino Jacobs 10 Keagan Johannes 9 Zak Burger 8 Mpilo Gumede 7 Jannes Kirsten 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain) 5 JF van Heerden 4 Ruan Vermaak 3 Mornay Smith 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels 1 Alulutho Tshakweni.

Bench: 16 Akker van der Merwe 17 Simphiwe Matanzima 18 Wilco Louw 19 Ruan Nortjé 20 Marco van Staden 21 Nizaam Carr 22 Embrose Papier 23 Boeta Chamberlain.