The Vodacom Bulls have announced their team for the EPCR Challenge Cup quarterfinal against Edinburgh, featuring a formidable “bomb squad” bench comprising six Springboks. The team aims to up the tempo in the final quarter of the game to secure a semifinal spot.
Captain Ruan Nortje returns to the starting lineup after recovering from a knee injury, taking over the leadership role. Reinhardt Ludwig and Marco van Staden drop to the bench, while Cameron Hanekom returns to the starting lineup at number 8. Marcell Coetzee moves to the side of the scrum, following his impressive performance against Bayonne.
The bench boasts an intimidating lineup, with young Bok front-row forwards Johan Grobbelaar and Jan-Hendrik Wessels joining Mornay Smith. The backline reserves feature three Springboks: Embrose Papier, Johan Goosen, and Canan Moodie.
“We have a nice environment and it gives us a nice feeling as a group,” said White, expressing the team’s confidence after their win against Bayonne. “Last week’s result was massive. To get an away win in France is a big deal, especially because Bayonne are a strong outfit that sits fourth in their league.”
The Bulls’ starting lineup is a testament to their confidence in the players who defeated Bayonne. The team features:
- Devon Williams
- Sergeal Petersen
- David Kriel
- Harold Vorster
- Stravino Jacobs
- Keagan Johannes
- Zak Burger
- Cameron Hanekom
- Jannes Kirsten
- Marcell Coetzee (captain)
- JF van Heerden
- Ruan Nortje (captain)
- Wilco Louw
- Akker van der Merwe
- Simphiwe Matanzima
The bench includes:
- Johan Grobbelaar
- Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- Mornay Smith
- Reinhardt Ludwig
- Marco van Staden
- Embrose Papier
- Johan Goosen
- Canan Moodie
Edinburgh has made a surprise move by dropping Scottish international Pierre Schoeman to the bench, with Boan Venter set to face Louw up front. The team boasts significant firepower out wide with Wes Goosen and Darcy Graham.