By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Photo Credit: Suresh Rajcoomar// Fullview.
The Vodacom Bulls have named an experienced squad to face Leinster in their United Rugby Championship (URC) final at Croke Park, Dublin next Friday.
Seventeen Springboks are included in the 32-man outfit, including a handful of World Cup winners.
This is complemented by an exciting group of emerging talents, including Cameron Hanekom and Cheswill Jooste, whose energy and attacking threat add a dynamic edge.
Up front, the composition of the forwards offers both physicality and mobility. Players like Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden contribute relentless work rate and breakdown presence, while the likes of Ruan Nortje and Cobus Wiese provide the size and power needed to anchor the set-piece. The front row, in particular, stands out for its depth and experience, ensuring scrummaging stability and the ability to maintain intensity throughout the match.
In the backline, the squad combines control and creativity. Handre Pollard’s game management and tactical kicking are complemented by Le Roux’s vision and playmaking ability, while strike runners such as Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, and Jooste offer genuine pace and finishing quality. The inclusion of players capable of covering multiple positions, such as Moodie, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Nizaam Carr, adds valuable flexibility both in selection and during the game itself.
Overall, the squad is well-rounded, with a strong leadership spine running through it and a bench capable of making a meaningful impact. It is a group built not only on individual quality but on cohesion and adaptability, qualities that will be crucial in a final.
Bulls Squad for VURC final
Alulutho Tshakweni, Akker van der Merwe, Cameron Hanekom, Cheswill Jooste, Canan Moodie, Cobus Wiese, Devon Williams, Elrigh Louw, Embrose Papier, Francois Klopper, Gerhard Steenekamp, Handre Pollard, Harold Vorster, Johan Grobbelaar, Jeandre Rudolph, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Keagan Johannes, Katlego Letebele, Marcell Coetzee, Mpilo Gumede, Mornay Smith, Marco van Staden, Nizaam Carr, Reinhardt Ludwig, Ruan Nortje, Ruan Vermaak, Stedman Gans, Stravino Jacobs, Willie le Roux, Wilco Louw, Zak Burger.