By Brenden Nel.
Vodacom Bulls captain Marcell Coetzee returns from a lengthy absence to retake his spot at flank and captain his side in their Investec Champions Cup match against Bristol Bears on Saturday.
Coetzee has only been in action from the bench after returning from a three week ban and is short of top quality action as the Bulls mixed and matched their side for a tough encounter that they need to win to ensure they move into the playoff rounds of the Champions Cup.
Also back in action after an injury layoff is Ruan Vermaak, who will be in the second row with Reinhardt Ludwig while the Bulls picked a powerful front row for the clash.
Springboks Gerhard Steenekamp and Wilco Louw line up up front with young Jan-Hendrik Wessels between them. While Wessels had shown a lot of promise in recent times, he has made some crucial mistakes in the Bulls games that have been costly, but the management believe he needs to play through these.
Coetzee will form a loose trio with the impressive Celimpilo Gumede, with Elrigh Louw the other bullocking forward to round out the pack.
Johan Goosen will be the team’s general alongside first choice scrumhalf Embrose Papier, while Harold Vorster and David Kriel, who have both donned the 12 jersey this season, form an interesting midfield combination.
On the bench import Khutha Mchunu makes an appearance while co-captain Ruan Nortje also returns from injury to take his place.
Another of the Bulls off-season buys, Henry Immelmann, has recovered from injury and is on the bench for the game.
Vodacom Bulls: Devon Williams; Sebastian de Klerk, David Kriel, Harold Vorster, Sergeal Petersen; Johan Goosen, Embrose Papier; Celimpilo Gumede, Elrigh Louw, Marcell Coetzee (captain), Reinhardt Ludwig, Ruan Vermaak, Wilco Louw, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: Simphiwe Matanzima, Tiaan Lange, Khutha Mchunu, Ruan Nortje, Deon Slabbert, Keagan Johannes, Chris Smith, Henry Immelman.