Springbok versatility Johan Goosen will make his long-awaited return for the Bulls in Saturday’s URC match against Edinburgh at Loftus Versfeld.
Goosen, 30 years old, has been sidelined with a knee injury since the start of last season. Chris Smith will begin the game at flyhalf, while he will start at fullback. Goosen assumes the No. 15 jersey vacated by Wandisile Simelane, who has been removed from the matchday squad.
Elrigh Louw, who was cut from the Springboks, replaces Mihlali Mosi, who was injured in last week’s 31-15 victory over the Lions at Ellis Park, at No. 8.
The Bulls anticipate a difficult test from Edinburgh, who defeated the Welsh Dragons 44-6 last weekend.
“It felt great to begin the new season on a winning note by defeating a formidable Lions squad in their own territory. This week, we identified several areas that required improvement, and the boys worked tirelessly to address them “Rugby director for the Bulls, Jake White, stated.
“Edinburgh is a skilled and formidable team. Last weekend, they played an outstanding game against the Dragons and won convincingly. We know how formidable they are because we lost to them in the previous season. If we want a successful outcome, we must give it our all. We anticipate another difficult match against a well-coached opponent.”
The game on Saturday begins at 14:30.
Group Bulls:
Johan Goosen (15), Cornal Hendricks (14), Lionel Mapoe (13), David Kriel (12), and Stravino Jacobs (10) are the top five players. Elrigh Louw (8th), 11 Chris Smith (10th), Zak Burger (9th), 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 7 Ruan Vermaak Walt Steenkamp (4th), Mornay Smith (3rd), Johan Grobbelaar (2nd), Gerhard Steenkamp (1st).
16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels (substitute), Simphiwe Matanzima (17), Francois Klopper (18), Janko Swanepoel (19), Marco van Staden, 20 21 Embrose Papier, 23 Stedman Gans, 22 Morne Steyn
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