Elrigh Louw’s comeback adds power to depleted Bulls for Juksei derby against Lions

Despite missing key players due to Springboks duty, the Bulls will field a strong side for their United Rugby Championship (URC) Juksei derby with the Lions.

The presence of Bok hardman Elrigh Louw on the replacement bench will add to their impetus as he makes his long-awaited return at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday afternoon (2pm kick-off) following a serious knee injury.

Springbok centurion Willie le Roux, hooker Akker van der Merwe, scrumhalf Embrose Papier, centre Jan Serfontein and replacement utility forward Cobus Wiese are the other experienced players set to drive the Bulls' game.

However, there is no sign of Handré Pollard for this clash with the Bok pivot returning home from the November tour, but according to head coach Johan Ackermann, he picked up a calf injury in Europe. It ruled the double World Cup winner out of contention, although the Bulls could’ve pushed him this week.

Winger Kurt-Lee Arendse is also unavailable following a concussion sustained against Italy. It kept him out of the Test vs Ireland last weekend. Utility front rower Jan-Hendrik Wessels remains suspended.

“Having Elrigh back earlier than what we expected is a big plus for us,” Ackermann said with his team announcement.

“To have that experience back and what he means for the Bulls is massive. The temptation to select Handré was also strong, but unfortunately, he returned from the Boks with a slight calf injury.

“We had to decide if we want to push him to be ready, and that comes with the risk of aggravating the injury. With the long season ahead, it is logical that we avoid risking it and give him time to settle into the team.

“If we use this week properly, he will hopefully be ready to face Bordeaux (in the Champions Cup).”

In the absence of some of their top players, the Bulls will rely heavily on Le Roux, Papier, Serfontein, Van der Merwe, captain Reinhardt Ludwig and Jeandre Rudolph.

They expect the Lions to come out firing and know that they must match their neighbours physically and stop them from getting their running blueprint going.

It is the first local derby of the new URC season, and all eyes will be on the two sides to see who gets the upper hand first. Ackermann, who previously coached the Lions with success, will now have the shoe on the other foot after recently taking over from Jake White in Pretoria.

“I’ve been on that side, and they will come here with the belief that they can win and rightly so. They played well before the break and have confidence.

“They will play with intensity and try to play a fast game, so we must be ready for that.”

Bulls XV

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 David Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 JJ Theron, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig (c), 6 Jeandre Rudolph, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Jaco Grobbelaar, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Alu Tshakweni.

Replacements: 16 Jean Else, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Cheswill Jooste.