Vodacom Bulls bolster squad for Sharks showdown

The Vodacom Bulls have named a vastly reshaped match-day squad for Saturday’s Vodacom URC clash against the Sharks, with several frontline stars returning after last week’s line-up against Northampton.

Willie le Roux slots in at fullback, Handré Pollard returns at flyhalf, and Embrose Papier takes over at scrumhalf. David Kriel and Sebastian de Klerk are recalled to the midfield and wing respectively, adding experience and strike power alongside Harold Vorster and Stravino Jacobs.

Up front, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, and Wilco Louw form a heavyweight front row, while Jeandre Rudolph comes in at blindside flank. Elrigh Louw captains the side from No 8, with JJ Theron completing the loose trio.

The replacements have also been reinforced, with Akker van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Reinhardt Ludwig, and Devon Williams joining Nizaam Carr, Paul de Wet, and Stedman Gans.

In total, 11 changes have been made to the starting XV, reflecting a deliberate shift from rotation to full-strength selection. The Vodacom Bulls will be looking to impose themselves physically and clinically in Durban, with Pollard and Le Roux’s leadership expected to steady the ship.

Saturday’s clash promises to be a high-stakes encounter as the Vodacom Bulls aim to bounce back and build momentum heading into the festive period.

VODACOM BULLS v SHARKS

1. Gerhard Steenekamp

2. Johan Grobbelaar

3. Wilco Louw

4. Cobus Wiese

5. JF van Heerden

6. Jeandre Rudolph

7. Elrigh Louw (Captain)

8. JJ Theron

9. Embrose Papier

10. Handre Pollard

11. Stravino Jacobs

12. Harold Vorster

13. David Kriel

14. Sebastian de Klerk

15. Willie le Roux

16. Akker van der Merwe

17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels

18. Khuta Mchunu

19. Reinhardt Ludwig

20. Nizaam Carr

21. Paul de Wet

22. Stedman Gans

23. Devon Williams