Vorster back as Bulls make seven changes

One of the most influential players in the Vodacom Bulls squad, midfielder Harold Vorster returns to the starting lineup as coach Jake White makes seven changes to the side that was hammered by Glasgow Warriors in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship last weekend.

This weekend’s clash against a struggling Munster team in Limerick will see a very different Bulls team, brimming with youth up front while there is a lot of optimism out wide for the type of rugby they can play if they get the ball.

Simphiwe Matanzima moves into the front row with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Mornay Smith for a very green look, with White resisting the urge to bring in veteran Bismarck du Plessis at hooker, while in the loose trio Marco van Staden drops to the bench to accommodate another youngster in WJ Steenkamp.

Johan Goosen is back at flyhalf as expected and will be looking to make a good impression behind the pack of forwards, while Vorster moves into his regular 12 jersey for a chance to relink with his long-time midfield partner Lionel Mapoe. Zak Burger makes a rotational switch with Embrose Papier, with the latter getting a start in the game.

Wandisile Simelane will get another opportunity to prove his versatility as he moves onto the wing, fulfilling White’s wish for him to add to his bag of tricks if he wants to impress the Springbok selectors.

White’s pairing of Vorster with Mapoe is key to getting the Bulls' rhythm back, the same as they had last season, and it was no coincidence that Vorster’s arrival at Loftus Versfeld coincided with the Bulls' run of form that took them to the final last year.

His keen eye for a gap, as well as the work rate he puts in and allows the backs outside him to flourish, were key aspects of the Bulls' success last season.

The game kicks off at 20.35 on Saturday and is live on SuperSport.

Vodacom Bulls: Kurt-Lee Arendse, Cornal Hendricks, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Wandisile Simelane; Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Elrigh Louw, WJ Steenkamp, Marcell Coetzee (captain), Ruan Nortje, Walt Steenkamp, Mornay Smith, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Simphiwe Matanzima.

Replacements: Bismarck du Plessis, Dylan Smith, Jacques van Rooyen, Ruan Vermaak, Marco van Staden, Zak Burger, Chris Smith, David Kriel.