Match Preview: Vodacom Bulls v Connacht Rugby

Springboks star Willie Le Roux makes his Vodacom Bulls debut as he opens the latest chapter in an illustrious career that has taken in spells at the Sharks, Cheetahs, Griquas, Wasps and out in Japan.

“To be honest, I didn’t think I would ever be a Bull,” admitted the 34-year-old full-back. My dad has always been a Blue Bulls supporter, even though we were living in Cape Town.

“It’s funny with the ride and the way it takes you. I’m now a Bull and I’m enjoying it so much. The guys are unbelievable, the coaching staff, everyone. It’s 35 degrees every day when you train, so that’s a bit tough and something to get used to.

“But all the games I have played at Loftus for the Springboks, it’s always been a vibe. The people come out in numbers and support, so I can’t wait to play my first game.”

Director of rugby Jake White is delighted to have Le Roux on board, saying: “He has only been here for a week, but it feels like he has been here for six months. He is unbelievable, it’s like having a coach there.

“He is very clever and extremely skilful, I cannot wait to see how he goes because I am sure people will see just the value he has. He is probably one of the best, if not the best player to have played for the Boks, and if he is not the best then he is definitely the cleverest.”

Connacht are in search of another scalp on South African soil, having beaten the Sharks 13-12 in Durban last weekend.

Coach Pete Wilkins, who hands a debut to Kiwi No 8 Sean Jansen, said: “To play the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld is one of the great experiences in world rugby and although it shapes to be a big challenge our entire squad is excited and ready to go.”

Vodacom Bulls v Connacht

Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria – KO 15.00 IRE & UK / 16.00 ITA / 17.00 SA

Referee: Gianluca Gnecchi (FIR, 27th league game)

AR 1: AJ Jacobs (SARU) AR 2: Dylen November (SARU)

TMO: Andrea Piardi (FIR)

Live on: SuperSport, RTÉ, Viaplay, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv

Vodacom Bulls: Willie le Roux, Sebastian de Klerk, Stedman Gans, David Kriel, Sergeal Petersen, Jaco van der Walt, Zak Burger, Gerhard Steenekamp, Akker van der Merwe, Wilco Louw, Reinhardt Ludwig, Ruan Nortje (CAPT), Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Nizaam Carr

Replacements: Simphiwe Matanzima, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith, Janko Swanepoel, Cyle Brink, Embrose Papier, Chris Smith, Canan Moodie

Connacht: Tiernan O’Halloran, Byron Ralston, David Hawkshaw, Cathal Forde, Diarmuid Kilgallen, Jack Carty (CAPT), Colm Reilly, Denis Buckley, Tadgh McElroy, Finlay Bealham, Darragh Murray, Joe Joyce, Oisin Dowling, Shamus Hurley-Langton, Sean Jansen

Replacements: Dylan Tierney-Martin, Peter Dooley, Sam Illo, Niall Murray, Sean O'Brien, Caolin Blade, JJ Hanrahan, Conor Oliver