Bulls forced to ring changes for key clash
DESPERATE times call for desperate measures and the Bulls have made no fewer than six changes to the team to take on the Brumbies on Friday in a bid to get their Super Rugby playoff hopes back on track.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke’s hand has been forced by injury, but he has also made some gambles in his selection for the crucial must-win match in Canberra.
Jurgen Visser, who joined the team in Australia on Monday as a replacement for the injured Jan Serfontein, has been thrown into the starting lineup immediately for his first match of the doleful tour.
Visser will get a starting berth at fullback, in the place of Jesse Kriel, who limped off the field early against the Chiefs last weekend after a knock to the knee.
Kriel has been relegated to the bench, despite Ludeke admitting that the former Junior Bok had not made a full recovery.
“Jesse is not 100% fit,” the coach said yesterday from Australia. “That is how good fortune sometimes works – we now have been given something else [Visser].
“The Brumbies have a strong kicking game and field possession will be a big factor. From here, it’s like test rugby. Field possession, turn-overs, special moments and set pieces need to be spot on,” Ludeke said.
With Serfontein back in Pretoria to receive treatment for a knee ligament injury, Burger Odendaal will don the No 12 jersey in the Springbok’s place. Other changes made are in the forwards. Veteran lock Victor Matfield receives another break as the Bulls keep with their agreement with SA Rugby to rest Springbok team players.
Grant Hattingh will take his place in the second row.
Adriaan Strauss, rested last week, returns in place of Callie Visagie.
Arno Botha also makes a return to the starting lineup, after being on the bench last week, and swaps places with Jacques du Plessis.
Dean Greyling is the other change, getting his first start of the tour ahead of Trevor Nyakane, who will be on the bench.
“We also have Wors [Dean Greyling] back,” Ludeke said.
“We feel we have a strong and competitive outfit for the weekend.”
The Bulls will be up against a Brumbies side that is still firmly in the running for the playoffs, and a victory for both sides will be crucial in keeping their hopes alive.
Despite their unsuccessful run so far, Ludeke remains optimistic about his Bulls.
“Never in our minds did we foresee such a tough week. We have only one focus – we have just one job to do this weekend.
“I believe we have a good plan. It will be all about execution. We have two desperate sides, and for both sides it is a must-win game,” the coach said.
“Everybody recovered well, from New Zealand to Australia. So from our side, there can’t be any excuses.” The match starts at 11.40am (SA time). The Bulls team: