Bulls bring in big guns for Griquas as Jake takes over
TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have selected a strong team to take on Griquas in a crucial Currie Cup encounter at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The side from Tshwane sits at the top of the Currie Cup table and will be out to retain their log-leading status ahead of the unbeaten Cheetahs as well as the Sharks.
The Bulls have reinforced their arsenal with personnel who have been consistent performers for the side in the United Rugby Championship.
Some of the big names include Canan Moodie, Cornal Hendricks, Harold Vorster, Madosh Tambwe, Chris Smith, Embrose Papier and Arno Botha.
Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White will be in the coach's box as Gert Smal is unavailable due to illness.
White prepared the team in training this week ahead of Saturday's clash.
The Bulls will be expecting a strong challenge from the Griquas, who will be looking to turn around the result from the previous fixture between the two sides when the men in blue claimed an emphatic 53-27 victory away from home in Kimberley in March.
"We have no doubt that we have a very tough fixture this weekend against a Griquas side that has shown what they are capable of. They are always a tough side to beat and we are certain that they will come out guns blazing this weekend," said White.
"We are trying to have a good balance in this team, as evidenced by our selection. We have given a few of the guys who have been playing URC some time out while others we will continue to add value to the Carling Currie Cup."
Bulls: 15 Canan Moodie, 14 Stravino Jacobs, 13 Cornal Hendricks, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Arno Botha (captain), 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Lizo Gqoboka.
Replacements: 16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Dylan Smith, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Muller Uys, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Juan Mostert, 23 Stedman Gans.
Date: Saturday, May 7
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.00 (19.00 GMT)
Referee: Morne Ferreira
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Local appointment
TMO: Quinton Immelman