Steenkamp to start against the Chiefs
Arguably the most loved Blue Bulls and Springbok player at the moment. Always gives 110%. Francois Hougaard in action. Photo by Anton Geyser / Rugby15.
Vodacom Bulls lock Wilhelm Steenkamp will start at lock in his side’s final Super Rugby tour match against the Chiefs in Hamilton on Friday.
The 46-capped player will swop places with regular lock Juandré Kruger in the only change to the side that came up short against the Highlanders in Dunedin last weekend.
Kruger will play of the bench in this rotational switch, with Steenkamp, who started against the Lions in week eight, combining with Flip van der Merwe in the engine room.
Dewald Potgieter and CJ Stander, who sustained injuries in the 16-11 defeat in the Forsyth Barr Stadium, has recovered and will take their places in the loose trio.
“We have a rotational policy and have a buy-in from all the players about it. Wilhelm has played very well of the bench this far in the competition, so I have no problem in starting him. Juandré will obviously play an important role as substitute, which will be crucial against a classy side like the Chiefs,” Ludeke said.
“They are a very difficult side to play against, especially now that their set piece has improved. This helps them to play an all round game and we will have to be on the money with our execution if we want to achieve a result. They are not pace setters for nothing”, Ludeke said.
Vodacom Bulls captain Pierre Spies is keen to end the tour on a high.
“Our work is not done and a good result will make this tour a very successful one. We disappointed ourselves against the Highlanders by not using our opportunities and need to get it right this time around. We will have to be up for it against a very respectable opponent.”
The Vodacom Bulls team to play the Chiefs (with Super caps) is:
Zane Kirchner (65), Akona Ndungane (78), Johann Sadie (16), Wynand Olivier (96), Bjorn Basson (36), Morné Steyn (100), Francois Hougaard (39), Pierre Spies (83,c), CJ Stander (11), Dewald Potgieter (48), Wilhelm Steenkamp (46), Flip van der Merwe (43), Werner Kruger (69), Chiliboy Ralepelle (46), Dean Greyling (24).
Replacements: Willie Wepener (47), Rayno Gerber (36), Juandré Kruger (11), Arno Botha (8), Jano Vermaak (82), Louis Fouché (6), JJ Engelbrecht (11).
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