The Vodacom Bulls have named a formidable side to host the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, blending Springbok class with returning firepower and rising Currie Cup talent as they aim to claim a famous scalp.
Captain Marcell Coetzee leads a match-day squad featuring four capped Springboks, with Willie le Roux adding vast experience out wide. There is also a welcome return for loose forward Hanro Liebenberg, back on South African soil after a productive stint with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership.
Much of the excitement, though, centres on flyhalf Curwin Bosch, who comes into the run-on side after two years plying his trade in France. Bosch has long been regarded as one of the most gifted attacking pivots to come through South African rugby, and Vodacom Bulls fans will be hoping his instinctive running game can unlock an All Blacks defence renowned for its line speed.
He will be flanked by two of the standout performers from the Vodacom URC campaign in scrumhalf Embrose Papier and loose forward Jeandre Rudolph, both of whom will be central to how the Vodacom Bulls look to play with tempo and ambition against the touring side.
On the bench, coach Johan Ackermann has entrusted a spot to Hakeem Kunene, who has impressed since arriving at Loftus for the Currie Cup and will be desperate to make his mark on the biggest stage yet. Also among the replacements is Thaakir Abrahams, the electric former Sharks and Munster wing whose pace could prove a vital weapon.
History, however, is firmly on the All Blacks’ side. In four previous meetings between the sides dating back to 1949, New Zealand have come out on top three times. The Bulls’ lone victory remains a famous one, with Northern Transvaal edging the tourists 29-27 in August 1976, a result that will mark its 50th anniversary almost to the day when the two sides meet again this weekend.
For the current Vodacom Bulls group, Saturday represents a rare chance to write a new chapter in that history, and with the blend of Springbok know-how, returning quality and emerging talent named, they will fancy their chances of springing an upset at fortress Loftus.
VODACOM BULLS vs ALL BLACKS
- Alu Tshakweni
- Juann Else
- Francois Klopper
- Ruan Vermaak
- JF van Heerden
- Marcell Coetzee (Captain)
- Hanro Liebenberg
- Jeandre Rudolph
- Embrose Papier
- Curwin Bosch
- Stravino Jacobs
- Harold Vorster
- Stedman Gans
- Thaakir Abrahams
- Willie le Roux
REPLACEMENTS
- Jaundre Schoeman
- Sti Sithole
- Khuta Mchunu
- Reinhardt Ludwig
- Mpilo Gumede
- Paul de Wet
- Katlego Letebele
- Hakeem Kunene
