Akona Ndungane back against Cheetahs
Vodacom Bulls stalwart Akona Ndungane is back on the wing for his side’s crucial clash against the Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Ndungane slots into the wing berth vacated by Francois Hougaard, who moves to his more familiar scrumhalf position, in place of the injured Fourie du Preez.
Zane Kirchner returns to the side after recovering from the flu attack that prevented him from taking the field against the Sharks in Durban.
His replacement for that game, Gerhard van den Heever, drops back to the bench.
A new face on the bench is Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup regular, Dustin Jinka, who is in line for a Vodacom Super Rugby debut, should he earns a start.
Coach Frans Ludeke indicated his side’s desire to sustain their drive towards a play-off place.
“We cannot allow any slip-ups and need to keep picking up points and momentum. It is not getting easier as our opponents all have the same mindset. The team have showed resilience though and we back our systems to get us through this one as well.”
Victor Matfield said the current form displayed by the Cheetahs will make sure his side will be up for the match.
“They are certainly one of the form teams in the competition at the moment and matches between us are always tough and close. So we are looking forward to another great battle.”
The Team:
15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Akona Ndungane, 13. Jaco Pretorius, 12. Wynand Olivier, 11. Bjorn Basson, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Francois Hougaard, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Dewald Potgieter, 6. Deon Stegmann, 5. Victor Matfield (Capt), 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Werner Kruger, 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1. Dean Greyling
Replacements: 16. Gary Botha, 17. Rossouw de Klerk, 18. Flip van der Merwe, 19. Danie Rossouw, 20. Dustin Jinka, 21. Francois Brummer, 22. Gerhard van den Heever.
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