The Vodacom Bulls have made three changes to their starting team to take on Ulster Rugby in Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash at Loftus Versfeld.
Tighthead prop Mornay Smith will make a return to the starting XV after being on the bench in last weekend’s win over the Dragons, replacing Jacques van Rooyen, who received a knock to the leg in last week’s match.
In the backline, Zak Burger will start at scrumhalf where he will pair up with flyhalf Chris Smith, while Cornal Hendricks will earn a starting berth at outside centre, switching spots with Lionel Mapoe, who goes to the bench.
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The Vodacom Bulls expect a bruising battle against a highly competitive Ulster side that has been dominating so far this season, with the Irishmen sitting pretty in second place on the overall log.
“We have had a tough couple of weeks against strong overseas opposition, and this week we are up against the team that is second on the Vodacom URC log currently,” said Vodacom Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.
“This will be similar to a test match for us, and we are looking forward to measuring ourselves against one of the best teams in the competition.
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“We are looking forward to seeing Mornay Smith back in the starting line-up, while we are excited to see this team maintain their consistency as we continue to grow together as a unit.
“This will not only be a big game for us, but also for our fans whom we hope to see in their numbers at Loftus Versfeld. We can never underplay the role that supporters play and how important it is to have them back at our stadiums.”
The match will kick-off at 14:00 and will be broadcasted live on SuperSport.
Vodacom Bulls team:
- Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14. Canan Moodie, 13. Cornal Hendricks, 12. Harold Vorster, 11. Madosh Tambwe, 10. Chris Smith, 9. Zak Burger, 8. Elrigh Louw, 7. Cyle Brink, 6. Marcell Coetzee (capt), 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Walt Steenkamp, 3. Jacques van Rooyen, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 1. Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements:
- Joe van Zyl, 17. Simphiwe Matanzima , 18. Robert Hunt, 19. Reinhardt Ludwig, 20. Arno Botha, 21. Keagan Johannes, 22. Morne Steyn, 23. Lionel Mapoe.
