Johan Ackermann has rolled out the heavy artillery for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship showdown with the Stormers at Loftus, selecting an all-Springbok front row that signals the Bulls’ intent to dominate up front.
Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, and Wilco Louw will pack down together for the first time, giving the Bulls formidable international experience in the engine room. It’s a statement selection from Ackermann, who clearly believes the battle will be won and lost at scrum time against a physical Stormers outfit.
The front-row firepower doesn’t stop there. Alulutho Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Mornay Smith provide quality reinforcement from the pine, ensuring the Bulls can maintain their set-piece dominance deep into the contest.
Van Staden’s milestone from the bench
In a surprising tactical call, Marco van Staden will celebrate his 100th appearance for the Bulls from the bench. The versatile loose forward has been a stalwart for the Pretoria franchise, but Ackermann has opted for a different combination to start the battle.
Captain Marcell Coetzee and the explosive Elrigh Louw will patrol the flanks, with Jeandre Rudolph anchoring the scrum at No 8. It’s a loose trio built for physicality and breakdown dominance, exactly what’s needed against a Stormers pack that thrives on quick ball.
Van Staden will undoubtedly get his moment in the spotlight when he enters the fray, bringing fresh legs and his trademark work-rate to close out the match.
Continuity in the backs
Ackermann has shown faith in his backline, keeping the same combination that faced the Sharks in their last outing. The continuity should breed confidence, with several Springboks littered throughout the back division providing class and composure.
Veteran World Cup winner Willie le Roux sits on the bench alongside Paul de Wet, offering experience and game-management nous should the match go down to the wire. Le Roux’s ability to steer a side home in tight finishes could prove invaluable if the contest remains in the balance.
Fortress Loftus awaits
The Bulls have made Loftus a fortress in recent seasons, and the Stormers face a monumental task at altitude. With kick-off at 16:00 on Saturday, Ackermann’s charges will look to use their powerful pack and experienced spine to suffocate the visitors.
The all-Springbok front row sets the tone – the Bulls are here to bully, not be bullied.
Full Bulls line-up on KickOff.com
