Ruan Nortje will make his return from injury when the Vodacom Bulls tackle the Bristol Bears in a Champions Cup clash in Bristol on Saturday.
Despite leaving Springbok trio Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse in Pretoria, Jake White has still been able to name a strong lineup, captained by Marcell Coetzee, for the clash at Ashton Gate.
The Herd will run out with a front row comprising of loosehead prop Gerhard Steenekamp alongside Jan-Hendrik Wessels at hooker and Wilco Louw at tighthead supported by the lock duo of Ruan Vermaak and Reinhardt Ludwig in the second row. Co-captain Marcell Coetzee lines up at blindside flank alongside Elrigh Louw on the openside with Mpilo Gumede at No 8.
Embrose Paier (scrumhalf) and Johan Goosen (flyhalf) will marshal the troops at halfback with Harold Vorster and David Kriel commanding play at centre. Sergeal Petersen (left) and Sebastien de Klerk (right) combine as this week’s wingers with Devon Williams providing versatility and skill at fullback.
White will have the services of Simphiwe Matanzima, Tiaan Lange, Khutha Mchunu and Nortjé who returns to full fitness after a few weeks on the sideline. Deon Slabbert, Keagan Johannes, Chris Smith and Henry Immelman complete the 5-3 split bench.
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