Bulls load up on Bok muscle for Bloem trip

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have selected an exciting match-day squad of 23 for their crucial Currie Cup match against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday.

Muller Uys will be leading the team as captain, while the experienced Jacques van Rooyen will add grunt to the front row as the starting tighthead prop, returning from an injury layoff that has seen him out of action for the past few weeks.

Springbok centre Lionel Mapoe also makes a return from injury as he partners with former BlitzBok Stedman Gans in the midfield that will add firepower to an exciting backline.

One of the latest Bulls recruits, Ruan Vermaak, has also been given a starting berth, donning the No.5 jersey - while the talented Richard Kriel will be showcasing his versatility with a start at fullback.

The Bulls depart for Bloemfontein on Friday.

Bulls: 15 Richard Kriel, 14 Tharquin Manuel, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Lionel Mapoe, 11 Quewin Nortje, 10 Juan Mostert, 9 Keagan Johannes, 6 Muller Uys (captain), 7 Jaco Labuschagne, 6 Eric Basson, 5 Ruan Vermaak, 4 Raynard Roets, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Sidney Tobias, 1 Cebo Dlamini.

Replacements: 16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Tielman Nieuwoudt, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Willie Potgieter, 21 Tiaan Fourie, 22 Frederik du Plessis, 23 Niel Beukes.

Date: Saturday, June 11

Venue: Free State Stadium, Bloemfontein

Kick-off: 17.45 (15.45 GMT)

Referee: Cwengile Jadezweni

Assistant referees: Christopher Allison, Jaco Kotze

TMO: Marius Jonker