Bulls name strong matchday squad All Blacks clash

The Bulls have named a strong matchday squad for Saturday’s clash with the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld, combining Springbok experience with returning overseas talent.

Marcell Coetzee will captain the Pretoria side, while Willie le Roux and Curwin Bosch add significant experience to the backline.

Curwin Bosch Starts Against All Blacks

Bosch will start at fly-half following his return to South Africa after a spell in France. He partners Embrose Papier at half-back as the Bulls look to challenge New Zealand with an attacking approach.

Willie le Roux adds further experience from full-back, while the Bulls have also included several players who impressed during the recent URC campaign.

The match kicks off at 19:00 local time on Saturday, August 15.

Hanro Liebenberg Returns for Bulls

Former Leicester Tigers forward Hanro Liebenberg makes his return on South African soil and adds further strength to the Bulls pack.

Captain Coetzee and Jeandre Rudolph are also expected to play important roles in the loose forwards, giving the hosts a blend of physicality and experience.

Among the replacements, Hakeem Kunene has earned an opportunity after impressing in the Currie Cup, while Thaakir Abrahams provides additional pace and attacking threat from the bench.

Bulls XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vortster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Alu Tshakweni

Reserves: 16 Jaundre Schoeman, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Hakeem Kunene