Blue Bulls’ leadership depth improves for battle against Sharks in Durban
One of the Blue Bulls' shortcomings in the first phase of the Currie Cup series was a lack of leadership, but this problem has been addressed with the appointment of experienced leader, Nizaam Carr, as captain of the team that will face the Sharks in Durban on Friday night.
Nizaam Carr will lead the Bulls against the Sharks in round 6 of the 2023 Currie Cup campaign at the Kings Park Stadium, in Durban.
The herd travels to face fierce coastal rivals at the back of a comprehensive round 5 victory, looking to build up momentum as South Africa’s premier rugby competition nears the halfway mark.
The two sides will lock horns on Friday afternoon, with kick-off scheduled for 15:30.
Carr will have Simphiwe Matanzima (loose-head), Jan Hendrik Wessels (hooker) and Sebastian Lombard (tight-head) in his front row. Janko Swanepoel will pair up with Jacques Du Plessis at lock, whilst Carr, will lace up in the back row with Cameron Hanekom (blindside) and Reinhardt Ludwig (openside) starting at flank respectively.
Zak Burger and Morné Steyn will form part of the half-back combination.
Quick feet, Wandisile Simelane will start on the left wing with Sibongile Novuka on the right as Chris Barend Smit and Lionel Mapoe combine at centre. 21-year-old Franco Knoetze starts at full-back.
Jacques van Rooyen, Tiaan Lange, Robert Hunt, Phumzile Maqondwana, WJ Steenkamp, Bernard van der Linde, Cornal Hendricks and Kabelo Mokoena will all get the opportunity to run on from the bench.
BLUE BULLS vs SHARKS: 1. Simphiwe Matanzima, 2. Jan Hendrik Wessels, 3. Sebastian Lombard, 4. Jacques Du Plessis, 5. Janko Swanepoel, 6. Cameron Hanekom, 7. Reinhardt Ludwig, 8. Nizaam Carr (c), 9. Zak Burger, 10. Morne Steyn, 11. Wandisile Simelane, 12. Chris Barend Smit, 13. Lionel Mapoe, 14. Sibongile Novuka, 15. Franco Knoetze. REPLACEMENTS: 16. Jacques van Rooyen, 17. Tiaan Lange, 18. Robert Hunt, 19. Phumzile Maqondwana, 20. WJ Steenkamp, 21. Bernard van der Linde, 22. Cornal Hendricks, 23. Kabelo Mokoena
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