Bulls reinforce pack with Springboks for URC battle against Edinburgh in chilly conditions

The Bulls have made several strategic shifts to their starting line-up for the United Rugby Championship (URC) clash against Edinburgh in Scotland on Friday night (9.45 pm kick-off).

Springboks Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, and lock Ruan Nortjé, alongside No 8 Jeandré Rudolph, will look to strengthen the pack for the battle in the Scottish capital. Meanwhile, utility back David Kriel slots in at inside centre as the Bulls seek back-to-back victories away from home.

Head coach Johan Ackermann said they are bracing for a tough, forwards-based duel, but warned that Edinburgh’s kicking game could put their backs under pressure. The wintry conditions in the north are also expected to impact the game.

It will be a significant night for Junior Springbok winger Cheswill Jooste in that regard, as he comes up against several seasoned Scotland internationals. Following his superb try last weekend in the Champions Cup, he will likely be a closely marked player, and his aerial skills will be tested.

The guidance of fullback Willie le Roux and flyhalf Handré Pollard will be crucial for Jooste and outside centre Sebastian de Klerk. De Klerk, who successfully transitioned from wing to the midfield last weekend, will look to spark the Bulls’ attack again from the No 13 jersey.

The tenacity shown against Pau should drive the team against a desperate Edinburgh side.

“We were pleased with the victory and qualifying, but we have achieved nothing yet,” Ackermann said.

“There are still a few things we can improve on. But the grind was there — the character. If we can just cut down on the mistakes of the last few games, we can pull a few more results through, even if it means winning ugly.”

Ackermann has also decided to retain flanker Marcell Coetzee as captain, allowing Nortjé to focus on his primary role in the lineouts. Marco van Staden is listed as a replacement hooker; however, the Bulls may look to inject him as a fetcher-flanker in the second half if required.

The coach has opted for a five-three bench split, rather than a forwards-laden six-two split, to ensure the team has sufficient cover in the backline.

“They (Edinburgh) are one of the teams that kick the most and they are very good in the air. We have faith that the backs can do the job. Our forwards will be challenged at the set-piece, because there will probably be a fair bit of mauling.”

Bulls XV

15 Willie le Roux, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Sebastian de Klerk, 12 David Kriel, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Jeandré Rudolph, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Aluluto Tshakweni, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Harold Vorster, 23 Stravino Jacobs.