The Bulls have named an experienced side to face the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 15 August, with the South African team combining four capped Springboks, returning talent and promising Currie Cup performers.
Kick-off is scheduled for 19:00, with captain Marcell Coetzee leading a match-day squad determined to produce a notable upset against New Zealand.
Willie le Roux starts on the wing and brings considerable international experience to a team that also includes loose forward Hanro Liebenberg. Liebenberg has returned to South Africa following a productive spell with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership.
The Bulls have also handed a starting role to Curwin Bosch, whose return is one of the most anticipated features of the selection. Bosch spent the past two years playing in France and has long been viewed as one of the most naturally gifted attacking flyhalves to emerge from South African rugby.
His ability to run with the ball and create opportunities will be central to the Bulls’ ambitions against an All Blacks defence known for its aggressive line speed.
Bosch will operate alongside scrumhalf Embrose Papier, while Jeandre Rudolph starts at number eight. Both players were among the leading performers during the Bulls’ URC campaign and will be important to the home side’s attempt to play at pace and challenge New Zealand with an ambitious attacking approach.
Coach Johan Ackermann has also included Hakeem Kunene among the replacements. Kunene has made a strong impression since joining the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld for the Currie Cup and now has the opportunity to make an impact against the most prominent opposition he has faced.
Thaakir Abrahams is another notable option on the bench. The former Sharks and Munster wing is renowned for his pace and could provide the Bulls with an additional attacking threat as the match develops.
The historical record favours the visitors. The teams have met four times since their first encounter in 1949, with New Zealand winning three of those matches.
The Bulls’ only victory came in August 1976, when Northern Transvaal defeated the touring All Blacks 29-27. That result will reach its 50th anniversary almost to the day of this weekend’s meeting.
For the current Bulls squad, the fixture offers an opportunity to create a new piece of history at Loftus Versfeld. Their team mixes Springbok experience with players returning from overseas and emerging talent from the Currie Cup, giving the hosts reason to believe they can challenge New Zealand on home ground.
Bulls team
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vortster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Alu Tshakweni
Replacements: 16 Jaundre Schoeman, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Hakeem Kunene
