Ruan Nortje returns to lead reshuffled Bulls in blockbuster URC derby against Stormers
URC
Flyhalf Handré Pollard's kicking boot could prove decisive against the Stormers on Saturday in Cape Town. He is part of a strong, experienced Bulls core, with Willie le Roux marshalling proceedings from fullback, and David Kriel a key figure in midfield.
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The Bulls have named a reshuffled matchday squad for Saturday’s eagerly awaited north-south United Rugby Championship derby against the Stormers in Cape Town with head coach Johan Ackermann opting for a blend of continuity and tactical refinement.
Ackermann has made several changes to the side that lost against the Sharks two weeks ago in Durban, tweaking both the pack and the backline as the Pretoria outfit looks to start the new year on a high against their coastal rivals in the sold-out match.
Lock Ruan Nortje returns to the starting XV and will resume the captaincy, taking the armband from Elrigh Louw, who led the side in the Shark Tank. There is also a reshuffled loose trio, where Springbok utility forward Marco van Staden comes into the starting lineup at No 6, with Jeandre Rudolph shifting to No 8 to accommodate the change.
In the backline, Canan Moodie is drafted in at centre, adding pace and attacking threat, with Harold Vorster making way. At scrumhalf, Embrose Papier moves to the bench, while former Stormers halfback Paul de Wet gets the nod to start against his old franchise. Ackermann said Papier’s ability to also operate on the wing had influenced that decision, especially with a 6-2 bench split.
Despite the adjustments, the Bulls have retained a strong, experienced core. Handré Pollard continues at flyhalf, Willie le Roux will marshal proceedings from fullback, and David Kriel remains a key figure in midfield.
Up front, the all-Springbok front row of Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw stays intact, offering continuity and set-piece stability.
The Bulls are looking to snap a five-game losing streak in the URC and Champions Cup and are currently in 12th place on the URC log table with 15 points from seven games. The prefect Stormers top the table with 32 points.
Kick-off at DHL Stadium is at 6pm.
Bulls team to face the Stormers: 15. Willie le Roux, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 13. Canan Moodie, 12. David Kriel, 11. Stravino Jacobs, 10. Handre Pollard, 9. Paul de Wet, 8. Jeandre Rudolph, 7. Elrigh Louw, 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Ruan Nortje (Captain), 4. Cobus Wiese, 3. Wilco Louw, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 1. Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: 16. Akker van der Merwe, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Khuta Mchunu, 19. Ruan Vermaak, 20. Reinhardt Ludwig, 21. Nizaam Carr, 22. Embrose Papier, 23. Devon Williams