Flyhalf Johan Goosen starts in a formidable Vodacom Bulls match-day 23 to face Zebre in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship in Johannesburg on Saturday.
Goosen slots in at 10 alongside scrumhalf Embrose Papier to form a potent combination as the sixth-placed Bulls look to fortify their bid for a URC playoff spot in the first match of a thrilling double-header at Ellis Park.
A forwards pack with Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Mornay Smith in the front row will be ahead of the half-back pair, supported by Ruan Vermaak and captain Ruan Nortje in the second row, while Marco van Staden, Cyle Brink and Elrigh Louw will add weight from the back row.
In the backs, David Kriel and Canan Moodie will run out at left and right wings, respectively, Harold Vorster and Stedman Gans will combine as the centre pairing, with Kurt-Lee Arendse at fullback.
Veterans Bismarck du Plessis and Cornal Hendricks, along with Dylan Smith, Francois Klopper, Janko Swanepoel, WJ Steenkamp, Keagan Johannes and Chris Smith are in lien to make an impact from the bench.
RACE FOR URC PLAYOFFS: What each SA team needs
? TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT ?
YOUR Vodacom Bulls team to take on @ZebreParma tomorrow at Emirates Airline Park ?
? Vodacom Bulls Vs Zebre Parma
? Emirates Lions Vs Leinster
? Emirates Airline Park, JHB
? Double Header
? @Vodacom #URC
?️ Tickets: https://t.co/naWhs3Dw0F pic.twitter.com/pc4HPIXvBC— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) April 14, 2023
Photo: @Springboks/Twitter