White selects almost full-strength team for last SuperRugby Unlocked game against Pumas
With the exception of Morné Steyn, who is given a break as a precautionary measure due to Covid-19 protocol, Jake White has chosen his strongest possible team to play in the Bulls' last SuperRugby Unlocked match against the Pumas of Mpumalanga on Saturday.
Chris Smith will earn his first start at flyhalf when the Bulls host the Pumas in their final SuperRugby Unlocked match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
This match marks the first meeting between the teams at Super Rugby Unlocked level with the Bulls determined to maintain their winning streak as they secured victories in their previous three matches, including a come from behind win against the Lions a fortnight ago.
The Bulls have been impressive on attack as the team has registered 17 tries while only conceding seven. Equally impressive is their defence as they have only conceded 3.4 clean breaks 14.4 defenders beaten thus far, according to Opta Stats.
The inclusion of Smith means the incumbent Morné Steyn gets a well-deserved break with Clinton Swart providing cover off the bench. White did not want to risk Steyn, as he apparently came close to a person who tested positive for Covid-19 during a family function this past weekend.
The rest of the backline remains unchanged.
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Amongst the forwards, Springbok flank Arno Botha will wear the seven jumper with Elrigh Louw dropping out of the match day squad due to injury.
Corniel Els starts at hooker with Joe van Zyl on the bench in a direct swap as incumbent Johan Grobbelaar still nursing an injury.
“Due to the Covid pandemic effecting proceedings and the match between the Stormers and Sharks being cancelled, we find ourselves in a more fortunate position than expected. Even though this is not an ideal situation for the tournament and the teams, we all understand that the safety and well-being of all involved comes first,” said Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White.
He added that, as a team, they want to ensure that if they are to be named champions then they want to do it the right way, with a win against a good Pumas team.
Kick-off is 14:00 and will be televised live on the SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby channels.
Bulls: 15. David Kriel, 14. Travis Ismaiel, 13. Stedman Gans, 12. Cornal Hendricks, 11. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10. Chris Smith, 9. Ivan van Zyl, 8. Duane Vermeulen (C), 7. Arno Botha, 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Walt Steenkamp, 3. Trevor Nyakane, 2. Corniel Els, 1. Jacques van Rooyen.
Replacements: 16. Joe van Zyl, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Marcel van der Merwe, 19. Sintu Manjezi, 20. Nizaam Carr, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Clinton Swart, 23. Marco Jansen van Vuren.
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