While way too much attention has been given to the storm-in-a-teacup story surrounding Johan Ackermann’s request for some help from the Springbok management to overcome their five-game losing streak, Saturday’s Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby presents Ackermann with the opportunity to finally be able to pick from a full squad of players.
All indications are that the Bulls will be able to call on all their Springboks despite niggles picked up by fullback Willie le Roux and lock Cobus Wiese in the loss against the Sharks before Christmas.
The Bulls have Bok utility back Canan Moodie and regular captain and Bok lock Ruan Nortje back in training after they were given time off, and along with Bok flyhalf Handre Pollard, flanker Marco van Staden and winger Kurt-Lee Arendse, all should be available for selection.
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Arendse was on a prolonged absence because of concussion protocols, but it looks as if he could return for the Bulls against the Stormers, and if Le Roux is also passed fit, it would give the Bulls a Bok back three for the first time this season.
They are still without Jan Serfontein in the midfield, who has an MCL injury that still needs rehabilitation, so Harold Vorster and David Kriel will likely continue in the midfield. Kriel’s form has mirrored the Bulls this season and the midfielder has struggled to meet last season’s highs, while also conceding two yellow cards for failed interceptions that have been costly for the Bulls.
Pollard should line up at fly-half with former Stormers halfback Paul de Wet or Embrose Papier as his partner, and if Marcell Coetzee is also fit again, the Bulls could have Elrigh Louw, Coetzee, Marco van Staden, Celimpilo Gumede, Reinhardt Ludwig, SA under-20 star JJ Theron, Nama Xaba, Nizaam Carr and Jannes Kirsten to choose from.
Nortje is likely to retake the captaincy, and partnering him will be Wiese if he is fit, while Wilco Louw, Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Johan Grobbelaar will all be parts of a potent front row.
Akker van der Merwe is likely to add his name to the bench, as will one of Sti Sithole or Alulutho Tshakweni, with Mornay Smith also likely to be there. Others that could see game time include backup 10 Keagan Johannes, Sebastian de Klerk and SA under-20 midfielder PA van Niekerk, while Cameron Hanekom, Johan Goosen and Kade Wolhuter all remain on the injured list.
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