New-look back trio for Vodacom Bulls

The Vodacom Bulls welcome back a wealth of experience as Director of Rugby Jake White named his squad to battle the Emirates Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, with a new-look back-trio selected for their PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA opener.

The backs are headlined by new recruit James Verity-Amm, who gets his first opportunity in the blue jersey at fullback, while Madosh Tambwe and Stravino Jacobs will do duty on the wings.

Marco Jansen van Vuren links up with Springbok Cornal Hendricks in the midfield with Chris Smith entrusted with organising the backline at flyhalf, alongside Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier.

Nizaam Carr continues as captain and No 8 in the absence of fellow Springbok Duane Vermeulen, and he will start in a strong loose trio with the flank duo of Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden.

The front row is one of raw talent as Mornay Smith and Gerhard Steenekamp will prop up hooker Johan Grobbelaar.

The replacement bench is not short of experience either as Springbok prop Lizo Gqoboka and Jacques van Rooyen will bring fresh legs to the forward pack alongside lock Walt Steenkamp and Springbok loose forward Arno Botha.

"We have continued to test combinations as knowing this assists in us in getting the best out of every individual and I'm looking forward to watching them gel together on Saturday against a formidable Lions' outfit," said White.

Kick-off is scheduled for 19h00 with the match being televised live on SuperSport.

Vodacom Bulls: 15 James Verity-Amm, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Nizaam Carr (captain), 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Janko Swanepoel, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp. Replacements: 16 Joe van Zyl, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Jacques van Rooyen, 19 Walt Steenkamp, 20 Arno Botha, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Morné Steyn, 23 David Kriel.

Vodacom Bulls v Emirates Lions
Date: Saturday, 1 May 2021
Time: 19h00
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge
Assistant referees: Griffin Colby and Paul Mente
Television Match Official: Marius van der Westhuizen
TV: SuperSport Rugby and Grandstand

Vodacom Bulls Loftus Versfeld Jake White PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA

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