Director of Rugby, Jake White says the fixture serves as an opportunity for the whole playing group to get some much-needed game time, staying sharp and competitive in what is an expanded season of rugby.

“We have a long season of rugby which feels like it is extended because there is no real elongated break like the in the past seasons, so keeping our players match sharp is vital for as we get into the playoff stages of our Vodacom United Rugby Championship and Investec Champions Cup campaigns,”

“As I have said before, as a franchise we value the Currie Cup as the pinnacle of club rugby in South Africa and this fixture also serves as our preparation and build-up towards that campaign; as much as it is another opportunity for us to try new combinations and get to evaluate where we are in terms of our overall squad depth.”

White also touts the match as a way for the Vodacom Bulls to remain a team for the community. “I am confident that this is a wonderful opportunity for our loyal supporters, who are based in the areas outside of the big city, a chance for them to see the team and experience rugby the way we love it. We understand the need to be a reachable team and we want to be a team that is seen and experienced by all which is not always possible.”

The herd will have Tielman Nieuwoudt, Tiaan Lange and Khutha Mchunu in the front row, supported by Merwe Olivier and JF van Heerden in the second row. Phumzile Maqondwana will line up alongside Cyle Brink in the third row with Carr at eighth man.

Bernard van der Linde and Chris Smith combine at halfback with Sibongile Novuka and Cornal Hendricks at left and right wing respectively. In between the two speedsters will be Chris Barend Smit and recruit Cornel Smit combining at centre. Stravino Jacobs will provide cover at fullback.

Fresh legs in the form of Jacques van Rooyen, Juann Else, Sebastian Lombard, Rob Hunt, Abulele Ndabambi, Corné Beets, Mihlali Mosi, Steven Nel, Carlton Bannies, Lionel Mapoe and Regan Izaks will all be ready to provide cover from the bench.

VALKE vs VODACOM BULLS STARTING XV: 1. Tielman Nieuwoudt, 2. Tiaan Lange, 3. Khutha Mchunu, 4. Merwe Olivier, 5. JF van Heerden, 6. Phumzile Maqondwana, 7. Cyle Brink, 8. Nizaam Carr (c), 9. Bernard van der Linde, 10. Chris Smith, 11. Sibongile Novuka, 12. Chris Barend Smit, 13. Cornel Smit, 14. Cornal Hendricks, 15. Stravino Jacobs

VODACOM BULLS IMPACT SQUAD: 16. Jacques van Rooyen, 17. Juann Else, 18. Sebastian Lombard, 19. Rob Hunt, 20. Abulele Ndabambi, 21. Corné Beets, 22. Mihlali Mosi, 23. Steven Nel, 24. Carlton Bannies, 25. Lionel Mapoe, 26. Regan Izaks

MANAGEMENT: Jake White – Director of Rugby, Chris Rossouw – Assistant Coach, Werner Kruger – Assistant Coach, Gary Gold – Assistant Coach, Andries Bekker – Assistant Coach, Jean Tiedt – Assistant Coach, Kennedy Tsimba – Assistant Coach, Phiwe Nomlomo – Assistant Coach, John-William Meyer – Technical Analyst, Dr. Ruan Genis – Team Doctor, Darryn Berry – Physiotherapist, Pieter du Plessis – Physiotherapist, Yusuf Vahed – Sport Scientist, Elias Bennett – Team Manager, Andries Kabinde – Logistics Manager