There are a host of world-class players who will be in action when the Bulls tackle Leinster on Saturday in what is a crucial clash in the URC. Kick off at Loftus is at 17:00.
Among a host of mouthwatering prospects and subplots, this is also sure to be a fascinating battle of strategies as two former Springbok coaches, Jake White and Jacques Nienaber, go head to head.
Bulls v Leinster
Date: Saturday, 22 March
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
SA Time: 17:00
Referee: Ben Whitehouse
TV: SuperSport
YOU CAN FOLLOW THE BULLS-LEINSTER LIVE SCORING IN THIS URC BATTLE BELOW:
The clash at Loftus is also expected to be a gripping affair, with the hosts being determined to end the Irish giant’s unbeaten run in the competition and to close the gap on the table.
Both teams have been in fine form this season, although the Bulls will be wary of the fact that Leinster are the best defensive team in the tournament with only 166 points conceded in their 12 matches up to now.
Jacques Nienaber is expecting to encounter Test match intensity on his return to South Africa with league leaders Leinster.
The man who coached the Springboks to back-to-back World Cup triumphs is well aware of what lies in store for his current charges at Pretoria’s Loftus Versfeld.
“The Bulls are a very well organised, settled side with a lot of international experience and a good coaching team around them,” he said.
“In rugby, you want to test yourself against the best and that’s what we will do on Saturday.
“We know we will have to be at our best mentally and physically to get an opportunity and then we have to take those opportunities.”
Teams:
Bulls: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni.
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Nizaam Carr, 22 Zak Burger, 23. Devon Williams.
Leinster: 15 Jimmy O’Brien, 14 Tommy O’Brien, 13 Hugh Cooney, 12 Jordie Barrett, 11 Andrew Osborne, 10 Ross Byrne, 9 Luke McGrath (captain), 8 James Culhane, 7 Will Connors, 6 Max Deegan, 5 Diarmuid Mangan, 4 RG Snyman, 3 Rabah Slimani, 2 John McKee, 1 Jack Boyle.
Replacements: 16 Stephen Smyth, 17 Ivan Soroka, 18 Thomas Clarkson, 19 Brian Deeny, 20 Alex Soroka, 21 Scott Penny, 22 Fintan Gunne, 23 Ciarán Frawley.
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