Springbok veterans start Bulls' Toyota Challenge clash with Cheetahs

An exciting Bulls XV, boasting a mix of Springbok experience and youthful exuberance, will make the long trip to Bloemfontein to take on the Toyota Cheetahs in the Toyota Challenge on Friday 29 September.

The team that will be coached by Gert Smal, will be led by seasoned Springbok veterans Morne Steyn and Bismarck du Plessis as captain and deputy respectively.

Wandisile Simelane, who recently joined the Bulls from across the Jukskei, starts in the fullback position where he will be looking to assert himself in his newfound position. The outside backs will be completed by the dangerous combination of Izzy Novuka and Stravino Jacobs. The latter having scored a sensational try last weekend against Edinburgh in the VURC.

Hard running Muller Uys will pack down at No8 with Phumzile Maqondwana and Raynhard Mouton flanking down on along either side of him. Bismarck du Plessis will anchor the scrum at hooker, with experienced campaigners in Jacques van Rooyen and Dylan Smith propping it up.

Smal is also rewarding  Wiehan Bezuidenhout and Juan van der Westhuizen with opportunities after sterling performances in the Carlton Cup. Carlton Cup winning coaches Riaan Brandt and Christo Bezuidenhout from Centurion RC have also been invited to join the coaching team for this outing.

“We’re excited about the challenge, as it will give our structures and depth a real test. It’s a going to be a busy season ahead with a few competitions overlapping, so managing 2 games this Friday will give us a good indication of what to expect.” – Jake White, Director of Rugby, Blue Bulls Company

The game kicks off at 16h15, on Friday 30 September.

Starters:

15 Wandisile Simelane; 14 Izzy Novuka; 13 Marco Jansen van Vuuren; 12 Chris Smit; 11 Stravino Jacobs; 10 Morne Steyn (Captain); 9 Bernard van der Linde; 8 Muller Uys; 7 Phumzile Maqondwana; 6 Raynhard Mouton; 5 Ruan Vermaak; 4 Merwe Olivier; 3 Jacques van Rooyen; 2 Bismarck du Plessis; 1 Dylan Smith

Substitutes:

16 Joe van Zyl; 17 Wiehan Bezuidenhout; 18 Mhleli Dlamini; 19 Juan van der Westhuizen; 20 Abulele Ndabambi; 21 Keagan Johannes; 22 Juan Mostert; 23 FC du Plessis