Bulls youngsters get their chance against Highlanders
Pote Human kept his promise and four young players will be given a chance in the Bulls starting line-up for Saturday's match against the Highlanders.
A few senior players lost their places in the Bulls’ starting line-up following last weekend’s disastrous game against the Jaguares.
Eighth man Muller Uys and lock Ian Groenewald will both make their Super Rugby debuts, while other youngsters like Ruan Nortje and Manie Libbok will also start when the Bulls host the Highlanders on Saturday.
Uys has more than proven his worth at junior level as the no.8 led the Blue Bulls u.21 to the SA Rugby u.21 Championship final last year, where they put in an emphatic effort to beat his former team, Western Province.
Groenewald has seen a fair bit of rugby with his journey starting with Maties, while representing Western Province and Griquas domestically. He also represented Italian club, Verona.
Big things are expected from these two players as they have impressed throughout training and warm-up matches, and now have the opportunity to stake a more permanent position within the Bulls.
Their inclusion at no.8 and lock respectively is two of three changes with Ruan Nortje slotting in as Groenewald’s lock partner.
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Bulls head coach, Pote Human, made one change to the backs as Manie Libbok gets his first start of the season with Morné Steyn shifting to the bench.
The other change to the bench allows Ryno Pieterse to potentially add to his cap and is expected to provide serious power if he takes the field.
Human was straightforward when it came to explaining his selection as the team is in desperate need of their first win of the season, but did crack a smile regarding Uys and Groenewald’s upcoming debuts.
“We need to do things a little different this week, we are in Round 6 and are yet to win. Tough choices had to be made and the players and I understand what needs to be done and accept the accountability thereof. There is no doubt that we have our backs against the wall and will need to deal with that pressure to restore the pride and belief of the Loftus faithful,” commented Human.
He said Uys and Groenewald have been working hard, so it is great to see them being rewarded.
“They are both intelligent rugby players who leave nothing on the field. Congratulations to both,” Human concluded.
Bulls: 15. Warrick Gelant, 14. Cornal Hendricks, 13. Nafi Tuitavake, 12. Johnny Kotze, 11. Rosko Specman, 10. Manie Libbok, 9. Embrose Papier, 8. Muller Uys, 7. Josh Strauss, 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Ian Groenewald, 3. Trevor Nyakane (C), 2. Jaco Visagie, 1. Lizo Gqoboka. Replacements: 16. Corniel Els, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Wiehahn Herbst, 19. Ryno Pieterse, 20. Ruan Steenkamp, 21. Ivan van Zyl, 22. Morné Steyn, 23. Divan Rossouw.
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