Ludeke changes five to starting line-up for Force clash

Apr 23 • General News, Super Rugby • 1901 Views • Comments Off on Ludeke changes five to starting line-up for Force clash

Vodacom Bulls coach Frans Ludeke made five changes to his starting line-up to face the Force in Perth on Saturday, with suspension, rotation and injury forcing his hand.
Three changes are at the back.

Jurgen Visser has recovered from the foot injury that ruled him out of the Waratahs clash shortly before kick-off and slots in at fullback, where he replaces Ulrich Beyers.

Francois Hougaard moves back to the base of the scrum following the knee-injury sustained by Piet van Zyl and a fit-again Akona Ndungane returns to his regular spot on the wing.

Ludeke made two changes to his pack as well.

Flip van der Merwe has been suspended for three weeks following a citing for striking an opponent in last weekend’s match against the Waratahs and will be replaced by Paul Willemse. Victor Matfield will take over the captaincy.

In the other change, Ludeke gave Bongi Mbonambi a first start at hooker, will regular Callie Visagie rested. Bandise Maku will make a first appearance on the bench.

Ludeke also re-jigged his bench, where Wimpie van der Walt will get a first run in Vodacom Bulls colours if he takes to the field. Beyers replaces William Small-Smith as utility back.

The team (with Super caps) to play the Force is: Jurgen Visser (19), Akona Ndungane (102), JJ Engelbrecht (42), Jan Serfontein (21), Bjorn Basson (64), Jacques-Louis Potgieter (49), Francois Hougaard (65), Grant Hattingh (28), Jacques du Plessis (10), Jono Ross (12), Victor Matfield (132, c), Paul Willemse (13), Werner Kruger (101), Bongi Mbonambi (9), Dean Greyling (47). Replacements: Bandise Maku (49), Mornè Mellett (17), Marcel van der Merwe (12), Wimpie van der Walt (15), Jacques Engelbrecht (21), Rudy Paige (5), Handrè Pollard (7), Ulrich Beyers (8).

Courtesy of SARU