By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Vodacom Bulls have named experienced 32-player squad, for their two Champions Cup and United Rugby Championship (URC) matches.
The Bulls are looking for their first win of a disappointing Investec Champions Cup campaign against Pau at the Stade du Hameau on Friday night, before taking on Edinburgh in the 10th round of the URC at Hive Stadium the following Friday night. After these, the Bulls return to South Africa for three URC derbies. They’re on a seven-match losing streak across competitions.
Winger Kurt-Lee Arendse and utility back Canan Moodie are back having completed concussion protocols.
Former Junior Boks wing Cheswill Jooste is also included having recovered from a shoulder injury.
However, Bok prop Gerhard Steenekamp misses out due to injury, while No 8 Cameron Hanekom’s rehabilitation from a knee injury continues.
Johan Ackermann explained that he could not pick too many youngsters for the tour due to logistical and regulatory reasons.
“EPCR only allows you to register 42 players [for the Champions and Challenge Cups], “Ackermann said.
“In that 42 you must be positive that you will make play-offs… so we’ve registered our best players and there are only a few youngsters.”
Bulls touring squad
Forwards: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Alulutho Tshakweni, Sti Sithole, Johan Grobbelaar, Akker van der Merwe, Wilco Louw, Mornay Smith, Francois Klopper, Cobus Wiese, Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje, Reinhardt Ludwig, Marco van Staden, Marcell Coetzee, Elrigh Louw, Mpilo Gumede, Jeandre Rudolph, Nizaam Carr.
Backs: Embrose Papier, Zak Burger, Handre Pollard, Keagan Johannes, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Stravino Jacobs, Harold Vorster, David Kriel, Canan Moodie, Stedman Gans, Sebastian de Klerk, Cheswill Jooste, Willie le Roux, Devon Williams.