Versatile loose forward Nama Xaba has been named captain of the Vodacom Bulls XV, which gets its Carling Currie Cup campaign started on Sunday against Boland in Paarl.
The squad enjoyed a productive pre-season under coach Phiwe Nomlomo, who believes he has the manpower capable of mounting a serious title challenge for a title the franchise last won in 2021.
There is a welcome return for experienced prop Dylan Smith, out for almost a year due to injury, who gets back after months of thorough rehabilitation work.
Experienced Keagan Johannes will take the reins at flyhalf with the exciting pairing of PA van Niekerk and Demitre Erasmus offering a world of promise in the centres.
Coach Phiwe Nomlomo faces a big early test against Boland this weekend.
Hakeem Kunene, the former SA U-20 player signed from the Sharks, will make his debut in the light blue, playing on the wing. Former Sharks and U-20 teammate Mawande Mdanda will also make his debut for his new team, packing down at tighthead.
As an indicator of the team’s investment in youth, eight players will make their Carling Currie Cup debuts: Jaundre Schoeman, Damian Baker, Dian Coetzee, Cephas van Biljon, Chinedu Amadi, Viaan Mentoor, Christiaan Vlok and JJ Motlhodi.
Moreover, the Vodacom Bulls XV coaches have selected five club players in the match-day squad, a reflection of the strength and depth of the domestic club rugby system and the healthy player pathway within.
VODACOM BULLS XV
1. Dylan Smith, 2. Jaundre Schoeman, 3. Mawande Mdanda, 4. Sintu Manjezi, 5. Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, 6. Nama Xaba (capt), 7. Abongile Nonkotwana, 8. JJ Theron, 9. Brooklyn Newman, 10. Keagan Johannes, 11. Riyaad Bam, 12. PA van Niekerk, 13. Demitre Erasmus, 14. Hakeem Kunene, 15. Devon Williams.
REPLACEMENTS
16. Shaun Schürmann, 17. Damian Baker, 18. Dian Coetzee, 19. Cephas van Biljon, 20. Chinedu Amadi, 21. Viaan Mentoor, 22. Christiaan Viok, 23. JJ Motlhodi.
