As the Currie Cup semi-final approaches, the Bulls are getting a significant boost with the return of several key players, including influential Springboks.
The upcoming clash against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld promises to be a thrilling encounter.
Key Player Returns and Changes
Bulls head coach Phiwe Nomlomo is making strategic adjustments by rotating his halfback combination.
Keagan Johannes will return to scrumhalf, teaming up with Johan Goosen at flyhalf for this crucial semi-final.
The Bulls will also see the return of Rocket Man, Stravino Jacobs, on the left wing, and Bullie, Dylan Smith, who will start at the front row alongside Akker van der Merwe and Wilco Louw.
Bernard van der Linde will be part of the six-two split impact squad, which includes Joe van Zyl, Jacques van Rooyen, Francois Klopper, Sintu Manjezi, Merwe Olivier, Katlego Letebele, and Celimpilo Gumede.
Springboks and Tactical Shifts
In other changes, Nizaam Carr has moved from the impact squad to captain and will start at flank alongside Marcell Coetzee.
Boeta Chamberlain and Stedman Gans will swap positions, with Chamberlain at fullback and Gans at centre, having previously been involved in Durban off the bench.
Jannes Kirsten and Cobus Wiese will partner again at lock, while Cameron Hanekom retains his spot as the eighth man.
David Kriel will shift to inside centre, with Gans on his outside, and Henry Immelman will once again play on the right wing.
Bulls’ Strong Position
The Bulls are the favorites going into the semi-final against the Hollywoodbets Sharks XV at Loftus Versfeld.
This matchup echoes the finals of the 2020 and 2021 seasons, both of which saw the Pretoria team emerge victorious.
Despite a few hiccups throughout the season, the Bulls have demonstrated their depth and strength, finishing second on the log, which secured them a home semi-final.
On the other hand, the KwaZulu-Natalians had a rocky start with three consecutive defeats but bounced back impressively with six wins and a draw in a seven-game unbeaten streak.
Starting XV and Impact Squad
Starting XV:
- Dylan Smith
- Akker van der Merwe
- Wilco Louw
- Jannes Kirsten
- Cobus Wiese
- Marcell Coetzee
- Nizaam Carr (c)
- Cameron Hanekom
- Keagan Johannes
- Johan Goosen
- Stravino Jacobs
- David Kriel
- Stedman Gans
- Henry Immelman
- Boeta Chamberlain
Impact Squad: 16. Joe van Zyl 17. Jacques van Rooyen 18. Francois Klopper 19. Sintu Manjezi 20. Merwe Olivier 21. Bernard van der Linde 22. Katlego Letebele 23. Celimpilo Gumede
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