Bakkies, Gary Botha and Hougaard back to face Stormers
Bakkies Botha keeping defenders busy (Denese Lups)
Vodacom Bulls captain, Victor Matfield, will on Saturday lead a side with 1114 Super Rugby caps on the field for their Super Rugby clash against the Stormers. Matfield will be one of three Super Rugby centurions in the Bulls match 22 after coach Frans Ludeke named his side, making one change to the starting line-up and three to his bench.
Bakkies Botha, who recovered from the foot injury that ruled him out of the Highlanders clash two weeks ago, is back to partner Matfield at lock.
He replaces Danie Rossouw who moves down to the bench at the expense of Juandré Kruger.
Also added to the bench is a fit again Gary Botha and Francois Hougaard, with the latter involved in his first Super match of the season.
Ludeke picked five forwards and two backs on the bench.
In all, 17 players that were involved in the last clash between the sides, the final of the Super 14 in May, 2010 will again be in action.
The coach emphasized the need for this side to get back to their winning ways.
“The defeat we suffered against the Highlanders was a good wake-up call for all and we are keen to get back to our winning ways,” Ludeke said.
“They don’t come bigger than the Stormers, so we prepared accordingly,” Ludeke said.
Matfield pointed to the visiting side’s record.
“They are still undefeated, which proves their quality. This is always a big game for all of us, but even more importantly, it is a home game and we need to use that advantage. We are experienced, yes, but that only counts if we apply ourselves properly.”
The Vodacom Bulls team is:
15. Zane Kirchner, 14. Gerhard van den Heever, 13. Jaco Pretorius, 12. Wynand Olivier, 11. Bjorn Basson, 10. Morné Steyn, 9. Fourie du Preez, 8. Pierre Spies, 7. Dewald Potgieter, 6. Deon Stegmann, 5. Victor Matfield(Cpt), 4. Bakkies Botha, 3. Werner Kruger, 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16. Gary Botha, 17. Rossouw de Klerk, 18. Flip van der Merwe, 19. Danie Rossouw, 20. Derick Kuün, 21. Francois Hougaard, 22. Francois Brummer
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