AUCKLAND — Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has made seven changes to his starting side to play the Blues in Auckland tomorrow in the first match of their four-week Australasian tour.
Supersport
Injuries and the return to fitness of various players have resulted in wholesale changes to the side that earned a bonus-point Vodacom Super Rugby win over the Western Force last week.
“We have talked about our depth and this is a great opportunity to really test that,” Ludeke said after naming the team on Thursday. “All the guys who start for the first time this season will be very keen and it will also give some respite to those who are feeling a bit sore after the first couple of matches.”
Injured winger Bjorn Basson is replaced by Lionel Mapoe, who moves from outside centre, where a fit-again JJ Engelbrecht returns to the starting XV.
Akona Ndungane is also back in action and will play in his first match of the season in place of Sampie Mastriet.
Jano Vermaak earns a first start this season in place of Francois Hougaard, with the latter dropping to the bench with an ankle strain.
Deon Stegmann returns to the fray after recovered from a hamstring strain and replaces Jacques Potgieter who moves to the bench.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
Potgieter takes the place of Jean Cook, who was not included in the touring squad.
