MATCHDAY TEAMS
VODACOM BULLS
STARTERS
1. Gerhard Steenekamp
2. Johan Grobbelaar
3. Wilco Louw
4. Cobus Wiese
5. Ruan Nortje (capt)
6. Jeandre Rudolph
7. Elrigh Louw
8. Cameron Hanekom
9. Embrose Papier
10. Handre Pollard
11. Sergeal Peterson
12. Harold Vorster
13. Canan Moodie
14. Devon Williams
15. Willie le Roux
IMPACT SQUAD
16. Marco van Staden
17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels
18. Francois Klopper
19. Ruan Vermaak
20. Mpilo Gumede
21. Paul de Wet
22. Stedman Gans
23. Stravino Jacobs
BENETTON
STARTERS
15 Matt Gallagher (24)
14 Louis Lynagh (20)
13 Paolo Odogwu (36)
12 Tomas Medina (2)
11 Federico Zanandrea (3)
10 Rhyno Smith (90)
9 Alessandro Garbisi (88)
8 So’otala Fa’aso’o (19)
7 Lorenzo Cannone (70)
6 Riccardo Favretto (76)
5 Federico Ruzza (147) (C)
4 Mattia Midena (3)
3 Tiziano Pasquali (154)
2 Bautista Bernasconi (60)
1 Nahuel Tetaz Chaparro (41)
REPLACEMENTS
16 Nicholas Gasperini (13)
17 Ivan Nemer (53)
18 Marcos Gallorini (9)
19 Niccolò Cannone (106)
20 Giulio Marini (17)
21 Jadin Kingi (9)
22 Cristiano Tizzano (1)
23 Leonardo Marin (55)
SPONSOR’S MESSAGE
VODACOM BULLS vs BENETTON
Timing is everything in rugby.
The Vodacom Bulls are peaking at exactly the right time, and this weekend’s final league fixture against Benetton is another opportunity to make a major statement ahead of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship playoffs.
Johan Ackermann’s men are hitting these final league fixtures like the Blue Train as they’ve climbed into the magical top four on the table.
Next up is the old Italian foe Benetton, and there is history here.
Way back in 2021, as a pre-cursor to the Vodacom United Rugby Championship, Benetton beat the Vodacom Bulls in the Rainbow Cup final in Italy.
But the men from Pretoria hit back and have beaten the Italian’s in all five of their Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounters to date. And they come into this match on the back of three consecutive victories.
There is something very special about a Vodacom Bulls team hitting this kind of form at this stage of the competition.
And this means we can start getting excited about possible playoffs at Loftus. But a job still needs to be done this weekend, with the battle for that fourth spot incredibly close.
The Vodacom Bulls currently have it, but there is only a four-point difference between them in fourth place and Ulster in eighth. That’s how close this competition is, and now is not the time to blink.
On the subject of timing, Willie le Roux is set to make his 400th first-class appearance this weekend. Willie has been a tremendous servant of South African rugby and it’s an honour to have him reach this kind of milestone in a Vodacom Bulls jersey.
Sitho Mdlalose
CEO of Vodacom South Africa
MATCH-UP ARTICLE
VODACOM BULLS READY FOR ‘WIN-OR-BUST’ PLAYOFF PRELUDE
As the Vodacom United Rugby Championship reaches its regular-season crescendo, the Vodacom Bulls find themselves in a high-stakes, all-or-nothing scenario that will dictate their path through the playoffs.
This Saturday’s clash against Benetton at Loftus Versfeld is for more than points on the table; it’s about home-ground advantage and psychological dominance.
For the Vodacom Bulls, the directive is clear: win at all costs. With the playoff race razor-thin, securing a home quarterfinal (and potentially a semifinal) is the ultimate prize. Loftus is a fortress, and playing in front of a passionate Pretoria crowd can be the difference between a championship run and an early exit. A victory here ensures they maintain their momentum and force their rivals to travel to one of the most intimidating arenas of all.
Following a tactical reshuffle, coach Johan Ackermann signalled his intent by recalling several heavyweights. The return of Ruan Nortje to lead the engine room and the inclusion of Elrigh Louw provide the physical abrasive edge needed to dismantle a stubborn Benetton side. By starting the veteran halfback pairing of Embrose Papier and Handre Pollard, the Vodacom Bulls are prioritising clinical execution and game management.
The team’s firepower remains their most dangerous weapon. With Willie le Roux pulling the strings from the back and the clinical finishing of Kurt-Lee Arendse and Sergeal Petersen on the wings, the home side has the ability to strike from anywhere. This match serves as the perfect platform to send a chilling message to the rest of the top eight: the Vodacom Bulls are peak-ready and won’t be easily dislodged.
GAMEDAY PLAYBOOK
GENERAL BLOCKS FOR SEATING AND GATES
SUITES SEATING
TOILETS, FIRE EXTINGUISHERS AND EMERGENCY EXITS
FAQs
Can you help me find seat number?
Ref to maps and seating plans.
Which gate must I use if I am sitting at seat?
Ref to maps and seating plans.
What do I do if my ticket is not scanning?
Go to the BLUE ticket containers at the Lynwood and Loftus park entrance.
Where are the closest toilets?
Ref to maps and seating plans.
What is the emergency number?
076 524 7590
Can you help me find a medic?
Ref to maps and seating plans.
Where is the closest food stalls and bars?
Ref to maps and seating plans for bars and food stalls.
Where is parking area?
Ref to maps and seating plans.
Where is UBER pickup?
Lynwood road.
Where can I buy cigarettes?
Remember the stadium is a NO SMOKING area, but you cab buy cigarettes at the Loftus Park.
What time does it close?
21h00.
What is the entertainment lineup?
DJ Arod, Christiaan Baartman, DJ Atlanta, Chanda Munki, Timo ODV, Cinimin, Mack and ShaMan, DJ RVRSE
Can I bring my own food and drinks?
No, you have to buy at the stadium.
Prohibited Items
We may prevent you from bringing particular items into the Stadium. You are also not allowed to bring any items into the Stadium which we reasonably considered to be unacceptable or inappropriate. Such items include, but are not limited to the following: alcohol, radios, bottles, tins, glasses, bugles, crackers, cooler boxes, firearms, knives, baby strollers, or any dangerous or hazardous objects. We may conduct reasonable examinations and searches to ensure compliance.
Can I braai on the streets around the stadium?
No, you may not braai on the streets. However, we will have a deidacted braai area in the beer garden. You will also have to buy the meat from the vendor on site.
Where can I buy parking?
The Ticketmaster App.
Can I buy a Bok jersey at the stadium?
Yes, there will be official pop-up stalls.
Is the merch sold at the pop-up shops legit/licensed?
Yes, it is all official merch.
Will there be a kids area?
No, there will be no dedicated kids area for this game.
Are kids allowed in the beer garden?
Yes, but under strict parental supervision.