Bulls make major transformation strides with team

The Vodacom Bulls took a major step forward in terms of transformation in their selection for their Vodacom Super Rugby showdown with the Cell C Sharks by choosing no less than 11 players of colour in their squad of 23.

Coach Pote Human was dealt a late injury blow with the loss of Ruan Steenkamp to concussion related symptoms this week, but forged ahead with an exciting new loose trio and match day 23 to try and keep the momentum going that they picked up from their win over the Lions last weekend.

The starting line-up has six players of colour, with five more on the bench, is the most that the Bulls have ever chosen in their history and shows a major commitment to transformation by coach Human.

Human was also forced to make several other changes, including bringing in former Sevens Bok Tim Agaba and loose forward Jannes Kirsten to form a new loose trio with Duane Vermeulen.

Hanro Liebenberg, who played in the loose trio last week, moves to lock in the place of Eli Snyman, who picked up a late injury.

Ivan van Zyl swops with Embrose Papier at scrumhalf, with Van Zyl’s boot likely to play a key part in the Bulls game plan this weekend. 0

Former Cheetahs flanker Paul Schoeman looks set to make his Super Rugby debut for the Bulls after being named on the bench. Schoeman played 24 times for the Toyota Cheetahs in the past.

“Eli Snyman is unfortunately out, we thought he would be ready but he is not. He hurt his shoulder last week but didn’t make the fitness test,” Human said.

“Stoney Steenkamp is still struggling with concussion and that is why we aren’t playing him this weekend. We moved Hanro to lock and brought in Tim Agaba and Jannes Kirsten.”

With RG Snyman, Lood de Jager and now Snyman out, a mini crisis is brewing at lock, an area where pre-season it seemed the Bulls had an abundance of riches.

“Hanro played for Stade Francais at lock, so that is why we are playing him there. Hendre Stassen is still in France and the agreement is until the end of March and I know they want to keep him there. That is a decision the board must make. Aston Fortuin injured his toe and he isn’t available this week. We still have a guy like Ruan Nortje – a youngster that is also available.

“RG will be back for the next game against the Chiefs or just after that.”

Human said the injuries make the task tougher, but he is confident the changes won’t weaken the side in any way.

“It is a test for the guys but the guys are very excited to be back at Loftus. We had two good wins and the Sharks have a good pack and are coming off a loss, so it will be very difficult. It will be tough but the guys who are coming into the side want to play rugby. A guy like Tim Agaba, we are giving Ivan (van Zyl) a start, and they are excited and keen to show what they can do.”

The Sharks name their side Thursday.

VODACOM BULLS (WITH CAPS AND POINTS):

Warrick Gelant (37, 65), Cornal Hendricks (29, 55), Jesse Kriel (64, 80), Dylan Sage (3, 0), Rosko Specman (3, 10), Handré Pollard (c; 49, 489), Ivan van Zyl (20, 0), Duane Vermeulen (v/c; 112, 45), Tim Agaba (2,0), Jannes Kirsten (19, 10), Jason Jenkins (43, 35), Hanro Liebenberg (31, 15), Trevor Nyakane (94, 15), Schalk Brits (64, 20), Lizo Gqoboka (40, 10). Replacements: Corniel Els (3, 0), Simphiwe Matanzima (3, 0), Dayan van der Westhuizen (13, 0), Tembelani Bholi (32, 5), Paul Schoeman (24, 25), Embrose Papier (13, 5), Manie Libbok (9, 13), Divan Rossouw (14, 15).