Cornal Hendricks will captain a strong Vodacom Bulls side ahead of their opening defence of their Currie Cup title on Friday night in Nelspruit against the Airlink Pumas.
Hendricks, who has battled back from a heart problem and was a massive part of the two Currie Cup wins for the Bulls during the pandemic, will lead a strong side with several United Rugby Championship squad members who will be getting some much-needed game time ahead of the reboot of that competition next weekend.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to captain the team, especially under such an experienced coach as Gert, who brings a lot to the party. I’ve learnt a lot over the past few years and know I have big boots to fill, but know I can do it,” Hendricks said on his appointment.
Smal believes that the mix and match the team needs to do for their two Currie Cup assignments this week - the second being against WP on Wednesday night and their URC game next Saturday means they need to box clever in selections.
“There are a couple of top players not there. There are a couple of good youngsters. It is just the way we have managed the squad - it isn’t easy to get the teams prepared for the Saturday, Wednesday and Saturday again,” Smal said.
Smal also eluded to the toughness of the Pumas and under coach Jimmy Stonehouse said they would be a tough team to beat.
“We all know how tough they are playing in Nelspruit. Jimmy’s team are always motivated and we will have to play well if we are to win this game.”
Following their mauling in Durban in the URC scrum battle against the Sharks, Jacques van Rooyen returns to tighthad, while Elrigh Louw moves to seven with Arno Botha at eight. Jaco Labuschagne is an interesting selection as the talented youngster will bring much to the Bulls.
Both Kriel brothers are in the backline, with Kurt-Lee Arendse back at fullback and the elder Kriel Hendricks’ partner in the midfield.
The match will kick off at 19h00 and will be televised on SuperSport.
Bulls team: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Madosh Tambwe, David Kriel, Cornal Hendricks (capt), Richard Kriel, Chris Smith, Embrose Papier; Arno Botha, Elrigh Louw, Jaco Labuschagne, Ruan Nortje, Walt Steenkamp, Jacques van Rooyen, Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Lizo Gqoboka, Robert Hunt, Sintu Manjezi, WJ Steenkamp, Zak Burger, Juan Mostert, Stedman Gans.