Bulls lean on nine Springboks for testing Champions Cup trip to Northampton

While Johan Ackermann will be without a host of national players for their Champions Cup clash against Northampton Saints, the Bulls coach has still been able to include nine Springboks for the trip to England.

The Bulls, who depart for the United Kingdom on Thursday, have injected experience and depth into their travelling group despite being without marquee flyhalf Handré Pollard, tighthead Wilco Louw and lock Ruan Nortje. The trio are observing mandatory rest periods following the Springboks’ November commitments.

Among the Boks included is influential loose forward Elrigh Louw, who continues his road back to peak condition after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. Louw has now featured in two matches since his comeback and is expected to add power to the back row.

The squad also receives a timely boost with the return of veteran Nizaam Carr. The versatile forward has spent recent months in rehabilitation but is now back in the mix, giving the Bulls increased balance and leadership across the loose trio.

His presence, combined with that of Louw, captain Marcell Coetzee and the in-form Mpilo Gumede, leaves Ackermann with favourable selection headaches ahead of Friday’s team announcement.

Elsewhere in the pack, the Bulls travel with a strong contingent featuring experienced campaigners such as hooker Akker van der Merwe, porps Gerhard Steenekamp, Sti Sithole and utility forward Cobus Wiese.

In the backs, Springbok fullback Willie le Roux anchors an exciting group that includes David Kriel, Sebastian de Klerk and Stravino Jacobs. Embrose Papier, Zak Burger and Keagan Johannes provide depth at halfback, while Stedman Gans and Harold Vorster will add stability in midfield.

One of the headline additions is new signing Kade Wolhuter, who has linked up with the squad and will immediately compete for the No 10 jersey in Pollard’s absence. The former Stormers and Lions playmaker joins at a crucial time as the Bulls aim to rotate their options and maintain continuity during a demanding month ahead.

Bulls touring squad

Forwards: Akker van der Merwe; Alulutho Tshakweni; Cobus Wiese; Elrigh Louw; Jean Erasmus; Gerhard Steenekamp; Jaco Grobbelaar; JF van Heerden; JJ Theron; Johann Grobbelaar; Juann Else; Khutha Mchunu; Marcell Coetzee; Mornay Smith; Mpilo Gumede; Nizaam Carr; Reinhardt Ludwig; Sti Sithole.

Backs: Sergeal Petersen; David Kriel; Devon Williams; Embrose Papier; Harold Vorster; Kade Wolhuter; Keagan Johannes; PA van Niekerk; Paul de Wet; Sebastian de Klerk; Stedman Gans; Stravino Jacobs; Willie le Roux; Zak Burger.