WORLD CHAMPIONS RETURN TO FORTRESS LOFTUS AS VODACOM BULLS LOOK TO SLAY CONNACHT

The herd returns ready to slay Connacht inside the fortress as World Cup-winning stars return to action.

• Vodacom Bulls shuffle six for round 6
• Jake White welcomes back Rugby World Cup winners
• Willie le Roux to make his Tshwane club debut
• Marco van Staden starts at flank, Nizaam Carr shifts to 8^th man
• Canan Moodie set for a start off the bench
• Jaco van der Walt set for first home start

Springbok utility back and two-time World Cup winner, Willie le Roux will make his debut for the Vodacom Bulls who return to fortress Loftus looking to slay Connacht who visit the capital in round six of the 2023/24 Vodacom United Rugby Championship. Jake White’s herd has seen six rotational shuffles made to the starting XV with two more changes in personnel on the bench for the clash set for Saturday 25 November, at 17h00.

Le Roux will lace his boots and line up at fullback with the centre-pairing of David Kriel and Stedman Gans infront of him. Once more, ‘Speed Kings’ Sergeal Petersen and Sebastian de Klerk will command the herd on the wings whilst scrumhalf Zak Burger and Jaco van der Walt (flyhalf) will marshal the troops at halfback.

Up ahead, the front row is assembled with Gerhard Steenekamp at loosehead prop alongside Akker van der Merwe at hooker with Wilco Louw at tighthead prop. Behind the power-packing trio will be the lock combination of Reinhardt Ludwig and captain Ruan Nortje in the second row. Versatile flanker, Marco ‘Eskom’ van Staden returns to the fold and will start at flank alongside Elrigh Louw to his right with Nizaam Carr at eight.

Director of Rugby, Jake White has assembled an impact squad comprising of 5 forwards and three backline players in Simphiwe Matanzima, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith, Janko Swanepoel, Cyle Brink, Embrose Papier, Chris Smith and the young World Champion, Canan ‘Mr. Magic’ Moodie.

Gates at Loftus will open from 14h00 in the afternoon with plenty of entertainment for the entire family at the Loftus Markert on the D-field.

Le Roux, who makes his club debut, opening yet another chapter in an illustrious career that has taken in spells at the Sharks, Cheetahs, Griquas, Wasps and out in Japan said: “To be honest, I didn’t think I would ever be a Bull,” admitted the 34-year-old full-back. My dad has always been a Vodacom Bulls supporter, even though we were living in Cape Town,”

“It’s funny with the ride and the way it takes you. I’m now a Bull and I’m enjoying it so much. The guys are unbelievable, the coaching staff, everyone. It’s 35 degrees every day when you train, so that’s a bit tough and something to get used to,”

“But all the games I have played at Loftus for the Springboks, it’s always been a vibe. The people come out in numbers and support, so I can’t wait to play my first game.”