The Bulls have unveiled a strong match-day squad for their highly anticipated meeting with the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 15 August, with kick-off scheduled for 19:00.
Captain Marcell Coetzee will lead a group that combines four Springbok internationals with established URC performers and several emerging talents.
The inclusion of veteran utility back Willie le Roux adds considerable experience to the Bulls’ backline.
Bosch returns to South African rugby spotlight
One of the biggest talking points is the return of flyhalf Curwin Bosch, who earns a starting berth after spending the past two years playing in France.
Bosch has built a reputation as an attack-minded player capable of creating opportunities from broken play.
Against an All Blacks side known for its aggressive defensive line speed, his ability to challenge defenders and generate attacking momentum could be crucial.
He will form a halfback partnership with scrumhalf Embrose Papier, while Jeandre Rudolph provides additional impact from the loose-forward ranks after impressing during the Bulls’ URC campaign.
Liebenberg brings overseas experience
Hanro Liebenberg is another notable inclusion in the starting XV.
The loose forward returns to South Africa following a spell with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership and will add both physicality and international experience to the Bulls pack.
The combination of Liebenberg and captain Coetzee gives the home side a formidable presence at the breakdown and in the defensive effort.
Young talent gets a chance
The Bulls have also rewarded players who have made an impression in the Currie Cup.
Hakeem Kunene is included among the replacements after catching the coaching staff’s attention since joining the Loftus setup.
Thaakir Abrahams, meanwhile, provides another dangerous option from the bench.
The former Sharks and Munster wing is renowned for his pace and could become an important attacking weapon if introduced during the second half.
Bulls face difficult historical challenge
The statistics favour New Zealand heading into the contest.
The two sides have met four times since their first encounter in 1949, with the All Blacks winning three of those matches.
The Bulls can draw inspiration from the one previous victory, however.
Northern Transvaal defeated the touring New Zealanders 29-27 in August 1976.
That memorable result reaches its 50th anniversary around the time of Saturday’s fixture, adding another layer of significance to the latest meeting.
Loftus provides chance for historic upset
With a mixture of Springbok pedigree, returning experience and promising young players, the Bulls will enter the contest believing they have the ingredients to challenge the visitors.
A victory would not only give the Pretoria side a notable scalp but also create a new landmark in a rivalry that has produced only one Bulls triumph across four previous meetings.
Bulls starting XV
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vortster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Alu Tshakweni.
Replacements
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.
