Bulls go all in for Bristol clash

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann kept his word by selecting a powerful starting XV for Saturday’s Investec Champions Cup match against the Bristol Bears at Loftus Versfeld (3pm).

Ten Springboks are in the starting line-up, which will again be led by Ruan Nortje.

There is a welcome return to the team, too, for Embrose Papier, who last week turned in a Man of the Match performance after being called up at the 11th hour. His pairing with Handre Piollard will be crucial in helping shape the side’s ambitions.

The solid midfield firm of Harold Vorster and David Kriel is also reunited, although Canan Moodie misses out due to concussion protocols.

Bristol have a full house of points in the Investec Champions Cup – two wins from as many starts – while the Vodacom Bulls have yet to record a win after two matches.

This fixture therefore looms as a must-win affair for the home team if they are to keep their playoff hopes alive.

VODACOM BULLS vs BRISTOL BEARS
1. Jan-Hendrik Wessels
2. Johan Grobbelaar
3. Wilco Louw
4. Cobus Wiese
5. Ruan Nortje (Capt)
6. Marco van Staden
7. Elrigh Louw
8. Jeandre Rudolph
9. Embrose Papier
10.  Handre Pollard
11.  Stravino Jacobs
12.  Harold Vorster
13.  David Kriel
14.  Sebastian de Klerk
15.  Willie le Roux

16. Akker van der Merwe
17. Gerhard Steenekamp
18. Mornay Smith
19. Ruan Vermaak
20. Mpilo Gumede
21. Zak Burger
22. Stedman Gans
23. Sergeal Petersen