The Vodacom Bulls have made a host of changes to their side to face French outfit Stade Français in their opening match of the Investec Champions Cup at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Coach Johan Ackermann will give debuts to former Sharks star Luan Giliomee and former Pumas midfielder Sango Xamlashe as the Bulls rotate several positions in search of a better start in Europe than last season.
Giliomee, who has played for the SA A, Springbok Sevens and SA under-20 side this season, starts at fullback in the place of Willie le Roux, with Cheswill Jooste replacing Canan Moodie on the wing, the latter who has concussion.
Xamlashe comes in at 13 for Stedman Gans, while Handre Pollard moves into the 10 jersey for the first time this season, partnering the in-form Paul de Wet.
Elrigh Louw will lead the side into battle in the continued absence of Marcell Coetzee, and alongside Cameron Hanekom, last weekend’s man of the match, is joined by World Cup winning Springbok Marco van Staden to complete the loose trio.
Another Bok in Cobus Wiese joins JF van Heerden in the engine room while a new front row of Khutha Mchunu, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Alulutho Tshakweni will pack down for the Bulls.
Your Vodacom Bulls team to face Stade Français. 14h00 | Loftus Versfeld | Investec Champions Cup More on the team news 👉https://t.co/F7J2vRYdOU @ChampionsCup | @Investec https://t.co/3nSajgSQVU
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) October 15, 2026
Their bench looks impressive as well, with Embrose Papier returning to action from injury while Springboks Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Le Roux all are on the bench.
Ackermann said he was looking forward to unleashing Giliomee from fullback, especially given the form he showed in the two games for the Sharks this season.
“We feel he knows everything now. It’s a week and a half since he arrived and we’ll be close to two weeks by Saturday, so we just wanted to see what he can do from that position,” Ackermann smiled, and cited the pace in the back three.
“It’s a combination we’d like to test. If it’s a warm day out there and we can tire them (Stade Francais) down and hopefully get these guys into a bit of space, that’s what we’re hoping for.”
Talking about the host of changes, Ackermann said it was about giving opportunities to the wider squad.
“The front row is just a straight swap. Cobus Wiese has been coming off the bench, so we’re giving him a starting opportunity and Marco, to be fair to him, hasn’t played in the back row for quite a while, but we feel it’s still a position he’s good at, so we wanted to give him an opportunity there.
“Handré Pollard and Curwin Bosch is just a straight swap, giving Handré a start. Cheswill has been quite patient, sitting on the bench and missing out on a game or so, so we’re giving him a start.”
NEW CHALLENGE
Ackermann also said the Bulls needed to put their big win over the Lions behind them.
“The challenge is to forget about last week’s performance. That was my message to them today, and it will be the message for Saturday. This is a new challenge. I’m happy, but this game will humble you quickly if you don’t keep working and don’t reset on a Monday. Winning gives you confidence, but there’s a danger it can make you complacent.
“Stade Français are so unpredictable. They can score from anywhere, including lineouts, and they’ve got a good set-piece. They’re a dangerous side overall.
“It’s up to us to reset our whole mindset and know that we have to earn the right again to win, and earn the right to score tries again. If we think we’re just going to throw the ball around, it’s not going to happen.
“It’s great to score all those tries, but this is a new game and a new challenge. We must get back to our values, what we stand for.”
The Vodacom Bulls kick off the Investec Champions Cup campaign against French giants Stade Français. 📍 Loftus Versfeld 🎟️ Tickets: https://t.co/9eZxO6xGZq https://t.co/dGF11lZH70
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) October 15, 2026
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Jaco Grobbelaar, 20 Jeandré Rudolph, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Stravino Jacobs, 23 Willie le Roux.