Bulls add Bok muscle for Griquas showdown

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls coach Gert Smal has bolstered his side for the Currie Cup semifinal showdown with Griquas at Loftus Versfeld on Friday.

Springbok prop Lizo Gqoboka will return to lead the Bulls.

In addition to the inclusion of the influential Gqoboka, a trio that was part of the travelling United Rugby Championship squad that travelled to Ireland to face Leinster in the Trans-Hemisphere semifinal last week has also been added.

This includes the experienced Marco Jansen van Vuren and the youthful and talented forward duo of Reinhardt Ludwig and Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Following the inclusion of Jansen van Vuren, who will earn a starting berth at inside centre, Bulls vice-captain Stedman Gans will make a shift to the wing this week.

The home side's bench has also been strengthened with Dylan Smith providing prop cover and nippy scrumhalf Bernard van der Linde available to add firepower in the latter stages of the game.

Bulls: 15 Richard Kriel, 14 Tharquinn Manuel, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 11 Stedman Gans, 10 Juan Mostert, 9 Keagan Johannes, 8 Muller Uys, 7 Ruan Delport, 6 Jaco Labuschagne, 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 4 Raynard Roets, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Lizo Gqoboka (captain).

Replacements: 16 Sidney Tobias, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Willie Potgieter, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Niel Beukes, 23 Quewin Nortje.

Date: Friday, June 17

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT)

Referee: Griffin Colby

Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni, Phumzile Mbewu

TMO: Ben Crouse