Springboks galore for Bulls

BOASTING 10 Springbok players in their starting XV for Saturday’s opening clash against the Stormers, it is the closest to a dream team Bulls coach Pote Human could have hoped for in his first game in charge in Super Rugby.

“I mean, there are 10 Boks in the starting line-up. It is awesome to have that, but still the guys have to go out and perform,” Human said when announcing his squad yesterday for the match at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria (5.15pm kickoff).

“You are as good as you are on the day and we will see on Saturday,” he added.

Human may have had some sleepless nights in the build-up to the North-South derby with injuries threatening his campaign before it has even kicked off.

However, Human was all smiles as he announced a team packed with talent, including new Springbok recruits Duane Vermeulen and Schalk Brits, with Blitzboks flyer Rosco Speckman making his Super Rugby debut on the wing.

There was doubt over the availability of Brits after he picked up a calf strain in the Bulls’ warm-up match against the Sharks in Ballito over the weekend, but he passed his fitness test and will be making his debut for the Bulls.

Corniel Els will provide backup at hooker and is also a debutant, along with Eli Snyman and Dylan Sage on the bench.

“I was worried about him (Brits),” Human admitted.

“(But) he came through very well today in training, we had a tough session and he is fine.”