The Vodacom Bulls have made wholesale changes to their starting XV for this week’s Investec Champions Cup opening round clash against Stade Français, with Handré Pollard returning at flyhalf, Elrigh Louw taking over the captaincy and under-20 tyro Luan Giliomee earning his first start at fullback.
Giliomee’s promotion is one of the standout talking points in a reshuffled Vodacom Bulls backline, with the youngster handed an opportunity to make his mark at senior level. His selection at No 15 comes at the expense of the experienced Willie le Roux, who moves to the bench to provide valuable cover and leadership.
The Vodacom Bulls have made multiple changes to their starting line-up following last week’s selection, with several players promoted from the replacements and others returning to the match-day squad.
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Pollard’s inclusion at No 10 is another major boost, with the Springbok pivot replacing Curwin Bosch. His experience and game management will be important as the Vodacom Bulls look to dictate proceedings against the French opposition. Paul de Wet retains the scrumhalf position.
Up front, Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Khutha Mchunu form an entirely new starting front row, replacing Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Francois Klopper. Cobus Wiese also moves into the second row alongside JF van Heerden, with Ruan Vermaak dropping out of the 23-man squad.