Bulls welcome back their captain
03/28/2025 06:46 AM
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls' captain Ruan Nortje makes his timely return to action this weekend with his inclusion in the matchday 23 for their Round 14 United Rugby Championship hosting of Zebre at Loftus on Saturday.
Nortje has been sidelined by injury and illness but has since regained full match fitness. Simphiwe Matanzima also returns from injury and also gets a seat on the bench.
The starting line-up sees a front-row combination featuring Alulutho Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Mornay Smith. All three did duty against Leinster in the previous round and will be looking to maintain their good form from a week back.
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Lock duo Ruan Vermaak and JF van Heerden have been retained, likewise the two flankers in matchday skipper Marcell Coetzee and Jannes Kirsten.
Zak Burger starts at scrumhalf to partner up with Keagan Johannes who has been retained at flyhalf.
Stravino 'Rocketman' Jacobs has a new partner in Sergeal Petersen. The two will get a run at left and right wing with Harold Vorster and David Kriel pairing up in the midfield.
Devon Williams provides cover at fullback with his stealthy left boot.
Bulls: 15 Deon Williams, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Celimpilo Gumene, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni
Replacements: 16 Simphiwe Matanzima, 17 Akker van der Merwe, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Nizaam Carr, 22 Embrose Papier, 23 Boeta Chamberlain
Date: Saturday, March 29
Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Kick-off: 14.45; 13.45 CET; 12.45 GMT
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa), Sean Muller (South Africa)
TMO: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)
