Bulls unveil 'new' captain for north-south derby

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Morne Steyn will lead the Bulls team that will take on Western Province in a crucial Currie Cup match at Loftus Versfeld on Wednesday.

The experienced former Springbok flyhalf will captain an exciting Bulls team that will have a good blend of experience and youth.

The Pretoria-based side will have a strong starting front row which will include Simphiwe Matanzima at loosehead prop, Robert Hunt at tighthead, and Bismarck du Plessis, who will be vice-captain, starting at hooker.

"This is another big week of rugby for the Bulls against a strong union. It was important that we have a competitive team to face a dangerous Western Province side," said Bulls coach Gert Smal.

"We are privileged to have players of Morne Steyn and Bismarck du Plessis' calibre to provide leadership to a group of youthful, exciting players such as James Verity-Amm and Rynhardt Ludwig, among others.

"We expect Western Province to come hard at us.

"They will want to get back to winning ways.

"We know what they are capable of as a unit, and we will need to be at our best if we want to continue putting pressure on teams at the top of the table like the Cheetahs."

Bulls: 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 David Kriel, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Morne Steyn (captain), 9 Keagan Johannes, 8 Muller Uys, 7 WJ Steenkamp, 6 Jaco Labuschagne, 5 Janko Swanepoel, 4 Rynhardt Ludwig, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.

Replacements: 16 Joe van Zyl, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 Werner Gouws, 21 Bernard van der Linde, 22 Juan Mostert, 23 Richard Kriel.

Date: Wednesday, April 6

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 20.00 (18.00 GMT)

Referee: Griffin Colby

Assistant referees: Christopher Allison, Local

TMO: Marius van der Westhuizen