Vodacom Bulls go all-in for Bristol Bears clash

Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann kept his word by selecting a powerful starting XV for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup match against the Bristol Bears at Loftus Versfeld (3pm).

Ten Springboks are in the starting line-up, which will again be led by Ruan Nortje.

There is a welcome return to the team, too, for Embrose Papier, who last week turned in a Man of the Match performance after being called up at the 11th hour. His pairing with Handre Piollard will be crucial in helping shape the side’s ambitions.

The solid midfield firm of Harold Vorster and David Kriel is also reunited, although Canan Moodie misses out due to concussion protocols.

Bristol have a full house of points in the Investec Champions Cup - two wins from as many starts - while the Vodacom Bulls have yet to record a win after two matches.

This fixture therefore looms as a must-win affair for the home team if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive.

VODACOM BULLS v BRISTOL BEARS

1. Jan-Hendrik Wessels 2 Johan Grobbelaar 3. Wilco Louw 4. Cobus Wiese 5. Ruan Nortje (Capt) 6. Marco van Staden 7. Elrigh Louw 8. Jeandre Rudolph 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. Gerhard Steenekamp 18. Mornay Smith 19. Ruan Vermaak 20. Mpilo Gumede 21. Zak Burger 22. Stedman Gans 23. Sergeal Petersen