Vodacom Bulls pick Van der Westhuyzen to face Lions
Injuries and not recent form forced the hand of Bulls coach, Frans Ludeke, when he announced his side to play the Lions in a Super Rugby match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria on Saturday. Zane Kirchner (shoulder) and Gurthrö Steenkamp (arm) was ruled out due to injuries sustained in last weekend’s 23-13 loss to the Stormers and they will be replaced by Jaco van der Westhuyzen and Dean Greyling at fullback and loose head prop respectively.
Both will make first starts this season.
Van der Westhuyzen was on the bench when the Bulls played the Lions in Johannesburg six weeks, while Greyling missed the opening weeks due to injury. He has since played two Vodacom Cup matches to sharpen up for Super Rugby.
Ludeke again went for a five/two replacement bench.
The coach said there is still a calmness and focus in the side, despite successive losses at Loftus Versfeld.
“We know we are close to turning things around. There were problems in our execution the last two outings, but I am confident that we sorted them out.”
Bulls captain Victor Matfield said the team has not taken kindly to the two defeats.
“I can’t remember when last the Bulls have lost two in a row at home and there is an urgency to make sure it never happens again. The Lions proved their worth in the competition, so this will be a massive game for us.”
The Vodacom Bulls side:
15. Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 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. Dean Greyling.
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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