Pote gambles on halfback Warner

Vodacom Bulls coach Pote Human has taken what he sees as a calculated gamble in selecting Andre Warner ahead of the two Springbok halfbacks for Friday night’s Vodacom Super Rugby clash with the defending champion Crusaders at Loftus Versfeld.

Warner, who a year ago was the number one choice in the squad, but lost ground thanks to an injury, has been struggling to make up some ground on the two Springboks in the last while and now has a chance to show his worth against the best side in the competition.

It isn't any state secret that the two Bok halfbacks are under a bit of pressure to perform at the moment, so much so that Human took the pressure off Embrose Papier last week and let him play in the SuperSport Challenge to get his head straight.

This week it is Ivan van Zyl's chance to drop down to the lower competition with Warner, who has only had 20 minutes of Super Rugby this season, literally going into the deep end against the Crusaders.

His only other appearances since his injury came in a loan spell for Stade Francais, and has had a few games for the Bulls second stringers as well, but hardly the introduction that a player would want before such a massive game.

Still, there is the fact that his coach believes in his abilities, and professional players know they have to perform when the opportunity comes or it will pass you bye.

Human believes he has an ace up his sleeve with Warner, and is sure he will surprise not only the fans, but also the Crusaders come Friday night.

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"We are rotating them, Embrose is back on the bench. Andre has a lot of talent and before his injury last year he was number one. Then he got injured and the other two scrumhalves became Springboks. I think he deserves a chance to show what he can do and what better chance is there than against the Crusaders to show what he can do," Human said.

"His distribution, his kicking game is good. His defence is excellent so I'm really looking forward to see him. He has been waiting for this chance all year and I know he will surprise a few people on Friday night."

The team also sees the return of Schalk Brits from suspension and Jason Jenkins from injury, adding to the Bulls pack and sees them close to full strength for the first time since the opening game this season.

LITMUS TEST

Hanro Liebenberg failed his concussion test and therefore isn't back in his flanker role, with Jannes Kirsten taking his place and Thembelani Bholi coming onto the bench.

Human was naturally happy to see Brits back in the team.

"His experience is unreal. He is not just the oldest guy in the team, but his experience, his commitment and his attitude to the team. He lifts the whole team so with him and Duane there, it is awesome to have them there.

"Then with Jason there as well, it is important to have him back. He is the enforcer so we need that against the Crusaders on Friday.

"Jason was good before his injury, Schalk – we know him and he always brings 100 percent when he is on the field and we feel it will be vital when those two are part of the pack."

Human believes the challenge of the defending champs will be a litmus test for the Bulls, who need to prove they can mix it with the best in this competition.

"I really believe this is the best side, it will be difficult but I have confidence in the guys. If you want to win Super Rugby then you have to beat the best. Friday night we will meet the Crusaders, it is a huge challenge for us but it is also a great opportunity for the guys to show what they can do and why they belong in Super Rugby.

"If you can stop their momentum and stop them going forward, we can put them under pressure. It is easier said than done and it will take a huge effort from everyone in the team to try and stop them. We also need to use all our opportunities."

The Bulls know how big this game is in the context of their conference hopes. After this a four-week tour awaits that together with this game will determine their fate in this year's competition.

And to leave for the tour with a win would be sweeter than anything they could hope. That is if the gambles pay off.

Vodacom Bulls: Warrick Gelant, Cornal Hendricks, Johnny Kotze, Burger Odendaal, Rosko Specman, Handre Pollard (capt), Andre Warner, Duane Vermeulen, Jannes Kirsten, Marco van Staden, RG Snyman, Jason Jenkins, Trevor Nyakane, Schalk Brits, Lizo Gqoboka.

Replacements: Jaco Visagie, Simphiwe Matanzima, Wiehahn Herbst, Thembelani Bholi, Paul Schoeman, Embrose Papier, Manie Libbok, Divan Rossouw.