New-look Bulls for Currie Cup opener

With the first-choice Bulls players in Treviso, Italy, preparing for the Rainbow Cup final, and a host of other players unavailable, the team from Pretoria will have a completely new look about it for the Currie Cup opener against Western Province tomorrow.

In total, 44 players are unavailable for the match at Loftus Versfeld (kick-off 4pm).

Besides the men who’re on Rainbow Cup duty (28), there are four men who’re training with the Springboks, four are out with injury, two are with the BlitzBoks and six are with the Junior Boks.

Furthermore, only two men in the Bulls’ matchday squad of 23 have played in the Currie Cup before, ensuring this country’s top union will be properly up against it tomorrow.

The team will be lead by Tuks Varsity Cup captain Sango Xamlashe.

The Western Province side will be named today, but whoever is picked will fancy their chances of winning at Loftus against a young and inexperienced Bulls outfit.

In the earlier game tomorrow (1.30pm), the Sharks take on Griquas in Kimberley and they, too, have a new leader in loose-forward Phepsi Buthelezi.

Also missing several firstchoice players who’re training with the Boks the likes of Lukhanyo Am, Siya Kolisi, Sbu Nkosi, Makazole Mapimpi and Aphelele Fassi – the men from Durban will have to be careful they don’t slip up against the always-tough Griquas side, led by former Bulls man Ruan Steenkamp.

In the first game of round one, the Pumas will host the Lions in Mbombela this evening (7pm).

The Lions will be lead by loose-forward Francke Horn, and sees the return from injury of Vincent Tshituka, among others. The Cheetahs have a first-round bye.

For all the team news visit citizen.co.za.