Bulls coach Ackermann freshens up his team for vital clash with Northampton
CHAMPIONS' CUP
Scrumhalf Zak Burger will be paired with Kade Wolhuter who starts at No 10 for the Bulls against Northampton Saints in the Champions Cup on Sunday.
Image: BackpagePix
Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has reshuffled his match-day squad for Sunday’s Round 2 Champions Cup clash against Northampton Saints at Franklin’s Gardens, with several frontline stars making way for fresh combinations and rising talent.
Compared to the line-up that did duty last week in Pretoria against Bordeaux, the changes are sweeping. Star players in Handré Pollard, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Marco van Staden, and David Kriel are all absent, replaced by a mix of youth and seasoned campaigners.
In a backline shake-up, Zak Burger starts at scrumhalf in place of Paul de Wet, while on loan (from the Lions), Kade Wolhuter takes over the No 10 jersey from Pollard.
Devon Williams slots in at fullback, with Sergeal Petersen and Stravino Jacobs named on the wings. Stedman Gans returns at outside centre, partnering Harold Vorster.
Ackermann has reshuffled his loose trio — Marcell Coetzee shifts from No 8 to blindside flank, with Elrigh Louw promoted to start at No 8. Reinhardt Ludwig retains his spot at openside flank.
The bench has also been overhauled, with only scrumhalf Embrose Papier retaining a place among the replacements.
The changes reflect both rotation and the need to manage player workloads in a demanding European campaign. While the absence of marquee names adds intrigue, the inclusion of hungry youngsters and seasoned stalwarts will ensure the Bulls remain competitive.
After losing last week to Bordeaux, the reigning champions, Sunday’s clash carries added significance — a win would keep the Bulls firmly in contention, while a defeat could complicate their path in the tournament.
Bulls team for Northampton
15 Devon Williams, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Alu Tshakweni.
Bench: 16 Juann Else, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Mpilo Gumede, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Keagan Johannes, 23 PA van Niekerk.