Bulls train set to steam ahead

The Blue Bulls will field a freight train centre pairing against Griquas in Kimberley tomorrow as coach Pote Human envisages a really physical clash as both sides strive to stay alive in the Currie Cup after losing two matches.

JT Jackson, who made his 1.91m, 100kg presence felt at inside centre last weekend against the Golden Lions, continues in the No 12 jersey, but the coach was forced into a change outside him due to Johnny Kotze’s concussion. Their solution was to announce the 1.88m, 102kg Franco Naude (above) as the No 13 yesterday.

“Johnny not being available is a big loss because he’s our vice-captain and in every game he’s given 100%. But I look forward to seeing Franco Naude’s physicality and he’s been asking me when he’s going to get a chance so he’s raring to go. JT is getting better and better, he’s also a great asset and is becoming one of our leaders.

“Griquas will be waiting for us, they are really going to be targeting Saturday’s match because it’s their first home game. It’s going to be tough and they are able to keep the ball for a long time and they play one of the fastest games in the competition,” Human said at Loftus Versfeld yesterday.

Naude’s selection will earn the 22-year-old his fourth Currie Cup cap and it is one of three changes to the starting line-up.

Springbok wing Jamba Ulengo has not really hit his straps since returning from a long-term knee injury and makes way for Duncan Matthews in the No 11 jersey, while Nick de Jager will be looking to make an impact at blindside flank in place of Jano Venter.

The hard-working Venter is on the replacements’ bench and it also includes Dayan van der Westhuizen as reserve prop in place of Conraad van Vuuren, and new cap Dylan Sage as the outside back substitute. It will be interesting to see what impact the Springbok Sevens star can make once the game has opened up.