Bulls desperate to restore pride
WE HAVE A LOT TO PLAY FOR STILL THIS SEASON Bok centre pairing to boost beleaguered Pretoria franchise.
Bulls coach Nollis Marais has made five changes to his starting line-up as they set about their new Super Rugby project, which is restoring their pride, starting with their match against the Sharks in Durban tomorrow.
Marais has decided to field the in-form Springbok centre pairing of Jan Serfontein and Jesse Kriel, which means Burger Odendaal reverts to the bench and Kefentse Mahlo makes his debut on the wing, where Kriel played in the Bulls’ last game before the June international break, against the Hurricanes.
Tony Jantjies (brother of Elton) has been chosen to steer the ship from flyhalf, replacing the benched Tian Schoeman, while RG Snyman will want to make his presence felt at lock as he replaces Bok star Lood de Jager, who apparently has an injury niggle.
Hanro Liebenberg, who needs to have surgery on his ankle after tearing ligaments against the Hurricanes, is replaced at No 8 by Nic de Jager, ostensibly now in his favoured position.
The other change sees Coenraad van Vuuren making his first Super Rugby start as he replaces Jacobie Adriaanse at tighthead prop.
“We have a lot to play for still. The guys want to finish the season strong and as you can expect from a local derby, will be desperate to win this one against the Sharks, so we are pretty keen to get going again.
“Our Springboks are in good nick and the rest of the guys are well-rested and full of energy and enthusiasm,” Marais said yesterday.
The Bulls have chosen a pair of loose forwards on the bench, with Shaun Adendorff, a top-class junior international, joined by the well-travelled Namibian Renaldo Bothma.
Jon-Roy Jenkinson is the reserve tighthead, while there is also a new scrumhalf on the bench in Andre Warner. If he gets on the field, it will be a debut for the 23-year-old former Tuks star.
Warrick Gelant, Duncan Matthews, Jesse Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Kefentse Mahlo, Tony Jantjies, Rudy Paige, Nic de Jager, Jannes Kirsten, Ruan Steenkamp, RG Snyman, Jason Jenkins, Coenraad van Vuuren, Adriaan Strauss (capt), Lizo Gqoboka. Jaco Visagie, Pierre Schoeman, John-Roy Jenkinson, Renaldo Bothma, Shaun Adendorff, Andre Warner, Burger Odendaal, Tian Schoeman.
Bench: