Veteran Cornal Hendricks will lead the Vodacom Bulls side that will welcome the NovaVit Griffons to Loftus Versfeld on Saturday 10 August. Hendricks will be supported by Jannes Kirsten as the Tshwane outfit looks to cement their spot in the playoffs of the 86th edition of the oldest provincial rugby competition in the world.
Tickets start from R50.00c and are available only from Ticketpro, with women entering the stadium FOR FREE.
Hendricks will partner up with fellow springbok Lionel Mapoe in the midfield. The experienced duo will be flanked by youth in Sibongile Novuka who starts at left wing and Henry Immelman at right wing while World Cup winner, Canan Moodie starts at fullback. With Moodie at the back, Boeta Chamberlain shifts to flyhalf, pairing up with Zak Burger whose on scrumhalf duties.
In front of the backline is the front row of Tielman Nieuwoudt, Juann Else and Mornay Smith who will be supported by Sintu Manjezi and Jannes Kirsten at lock with Nama Xaba and Cyle Brink at open and blindside flank respectively. Mihlali Mosi returns to action and will start at eight.
Head coach, Phiwe Nomlomo has assembled a five-three split impact squad that will see the likes of Tiaan Lange, Dylan Smith, Jacques van Rooyen, Merwe Olivier, Celimpilo ‘Mpilo’ Gumede, Keagan Johannes, Jaco van der Walt and Stravino Jacobs all on standby for duty.
The matchup against the purple brigade will kick off at 17h05.
VODACOM BULLS v NOVAVIT GRIFFONS STARTING XV: 1. Tielman Nieuwoudt, 2. Juann Else, 3. Mornay Smith, 4. Sintu Manjezi, 5. Jannes Kirsten, 6. Nama Xaba, 7. Cyle Brink, 8. Mihlali Mosi, 9. Zak Burger, 10. Boeta Chamberlain, 11. Sibongile Novuka, 12. Cornal Hendricks (c), 13. Lionel Mapoe, 14. Henry immelman, 15. Canan Moodie
REPLACEMENTS: 16. Tiaan Lange, 17. Dylan Smith, 18. Jacques van Rooyen, 19. Merwe Olivier, 20. Celimpilo ‘Mpilo’ Gumede, 21. Keagan Johannes, 22. Jaco van der Walt, 23. Stravino Jacobs