Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann has hit the reset button ahead of Friday’s Champions Cup encounter against Pau, making sweeping changes to his matchday squad.
Ackermann has made 11 changes from last weekend’s line-up, including seven changes in the starting pack, four in the backline, and several rotations on the bench, as the Bulls look to inject fresh energy into their European campaign.
Returns to lead the side
Regular captain Ruan Nortje has been rested and moves to the replacements, with veteran loose forward Marcell Coetzee returning to lead the side.
Among the most eye-catching changes is the return of exciting wings Kurt-Lee Arendse and Cheswill Jooste, both of whom add pace and finishing power out wide.
Their inclusion results in a positional shift for Sebastian de Klerk, who moves from the wing to outside centre.
Mpilo Gumede, who has been in strong form, earns a starting berth, while promising lock Reinhardt Ludwig also returns to the matchday squad.
Chase crucial points
The replacements bench offers a balance of physicality and experience, with the likes of Marco van Staden, Cobus Wiese and Jeandre Rudolph providing impact options later in the match.
The Bulls will be hoping the refreshed line-up delivers a sharper performance as they chase crucial points in their Champions Cup campaign.
The Bulls’ clash against Pau on Friday, 16 January starts at 22:00 (SA time).
The Bulls are currently bottom on the six-team Pool 4 with two points after three matches, while Pau are fourth with five points after as many fixtures.
Bulls Team to Face Pau
Willie le Roux, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Sebastian de Klerk, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Zak Burger, 8, Nizaam Carr, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Reinhardt Ludwig, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Ruan Nortje, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 David Kriel, 23 Jeandre Rudolph
