The Bulls have rolled out the heavy artillery. Johan Ackermann has named a side stacked with Springbok pedigree, returning overseas stars, and Currie Cup breakout performers as Loftus Versfeld braces itself for Saturday’s heavyweight showdown with the All Blacks on the Greatest Rivalry tour.
This isn’t a development squad getting a hit-out. This is a Bulls side loaded with genuine quality, international experience, and the kind of attacking ambition that could genuinely trouble a New Zealand outfit riding high after consecutive victories over the Stormers and Sharks.
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Captain Marcell Coetzee will lead a match-day 23 featuring four capped Springboks, the return of prodigal son Curwin Bosch, and enough firepower across the park to give the tourists their sternest examination yet on South African soil. History may favour the All Blacks, but Saturday’s contest promises fireworks.
The prodigal pivot returns
All eyes will be on Curwin Bosch. After two years plying his trade in France, the supremely gifted flyhalf slots straight into the starting XV, and Bulls fans will be salivating at what his instinctive running game could produce against New Zealand’s feared defence.
Bosch has long been regarded as one of South African rugby’s most naturally talented attacking pivots, a player capable of unlocking defences with vision, footwork, and an audacious willingness to back himself in space. His time in France has added European nous to his already formidable skill set, and Saturday represents the perfect stage for him to announce his return.
If Bosch can find rhythm early and exploit half-gaps against an All Blacks defensive line renowned for its aggression and line speed, Loftus could witness something special.
Liebenberg homecoming adds grunt
Hanro Liebenberg’s return to South African soil after a productive stint with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership adds another layer of intrigue. The powerful loose forward brings Premiership hardness and big-match experience back to Pretoria, slotting in at number seven alongside captain Coetzee and the in-form Jeandre Rudolph.
That loose trio has the physicality to match the All Blacks at the breakdown and the work rate to pressure New Zealand’s possession-based game. Rudolph, one of the standout performers from the Bulls’ URC campaign, will be central to how Ackermann’s side looks to play with tempo and ambition.
Embrose Papier gets the nod at scrumhalf and will be tasked with controlling the tempo, feeding Bosch quality ball, and ensuring the Bulls don’t get drawn into the kind of slow, attritional contest that plays into All Blacks hands.
Springbok class and rising stars
Willie le Roux anchors the backline at fullback, his vast international experience and positional mastery providing vital leadership amongst a back three featuring the pace of Stravino Jacobs and Thaakir Abrahams. The former Sharks and Munster flyer starts on the right wing, and his electric acceleration could prove a vital weapon if the Bulls can create space out wide.
On the bench, Ackermann has entrusted a spot to Hakeem Kunene, the youngster who has impressed since arriving at Loftus for the Currie Cup. Saturday represents his biggest stage yet, and the coaching staff clearly believe he’s ready for the challenge.
History looms large
For all the Bulls’ quality and ambition, history weighs heavily. In four previous meetings between the sides dating back to 1949, New Zealand have come out on top three times. The Bulls’ solitary victory remains the stuff of Loftus legend, Northern Transvaal edging the tourists 29-27 in August 1976, a result that will mark its 50th anniversary almost to the day when the two sides collide again this weekend.
That 1976 triumph is etched into northern Transvaal rugby folklore. Saturday offers the current generation a chance to create their own piece of history and deliver a famous scalp that would resonate far beyond Pretoria.
The All Blacks have been imperious on tour. The Bulls believe they have the firepower to change that narrative. Loftus awaits.
Bulls team to face the All Blacks:
Starting XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 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 Alulutho Tshakweni
Replacements: 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
