Bulls name strong side for WP clash

The Vodacom Bulls continued with their approach of returning all their stars to some decent game time as they packed a different side for their Carling Currie Cup clash with DHL Western Province in Wednesday night with a bunch of stars.

New recruit - and former Leicester Tigers and Emirates Lions star - Cyle Brink will make his debut in a massive loose trio that shows just how much depth the Bulls have at the moment as they look to defend the back-to-back titles they won over the last two years.

After picking up an away bonus point win in Nelspruit, the Bulls will be looking to do the same on Wednesday night, with captain Marcell Coetzee and the rising star Muller Uys in a tough loose trio.

The pack includes veteran Springbok Bismarck du Plessis and Simphiwe Matanzima in a front row with former UCT prop Robert Hunt as part of a pack that will want to dominate.

Morne Steyn leads a spirited backline which includes the likes of Harold Vorster and Lionel Mapoe in the midfield, while James Verity-Amm is at fullback.

Canan Moodie, the impressive young winger, gets a start and a chance to impress on debut.

“We are up for a big challenge against a good Western Province side, who are always very dangerous when playing at home,” Currie Cup coach Gert Smal said.

“We are fortunate to have the opportunity to blend some valuable experience with some exciting youthful talent for this important fixture.

“We are looking forward to a tough physical battle and some entertaining rugby which we have become accustomed to when these two sides face each other.”

Smal will of course be returning to the side he was Director of Rugby for and, as such, the game is likely to have a lot more needle for him.

Vodacom Bulls: James Verity-Amm; Canan Moodie, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Sibongile Novuka, Morne Steyn, Marco Jansen van Vuren; Muller Uys, Cyle Brink, Marcell Coetzee, Janko Swanepoel, Sintu Manjezi, Robert Hunt, Bismarck du Plessis, Simphiwe Matanzima.

Replacements: Schalk Erasmus, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Sebastian Lombard, Reinhardt Ludwig, WJ Steenkamp, Keagan Johannes, FC Du Plessis, Stedman Gans.