Bulls boosted as Erasmus releases two Springboks for All Blacks clash

The Bulls have received a boost ahead of Saturday’s meeting with the All Blacks in Pretoria after Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus released Elrigh Louw and Johan Grobbelaar to join the side.

Both players are included among the replacements for the 19:00 kick-off, having returned from Argentina, where the Springboks played Los Pumas last Saturday. Their late arrival means they have completed only one training session with the Bulls before the match.

Bulls coach Johan Ackermann welcomed the addition of the two internationals as his team prepares for a demanding contest.

“It’s great to have them with us, and we’re looking forward to the challenge,” said Ackermann.

Grobbelaar is named as the replacement hooker, with Louw covering the back row. Their inclusion gives the Bulls further Springbok experience on the bench, although neither player starts after the limited preparation time available following the trip to Argentina.

Willie le Roux starts at full-back, with Thaakir Abrahams and Stravino Jacobs selected on the wings. Stedman Gans and Harold Vorster form the midfield partnership, while Curwin Bosch is at fly-half and Embrose Papier starts at scrum-half.

Jeandre Rudolph is selected at number eight, with captain Marcell Coetzee and Hanro Liebenberg completing the loose trio. JF van Heerden and Ruan Vermaak are the starting locks.

The front row consists of Francois Klopper at tighthead prop, Juann Else at hooker and Alu Tshakweni at loosehead prop.

The Bulls’ full team for the Pretoria fixture is:

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 Alu Tshakweni.

Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Hakeem Kunene.

The match kicks off at 19:00 on Saturday in Pretoria.

The selection comes after discussion around the players the All Blacks will need to monitor closely, with a New Zealand veteran having identified two Bulls players as particular threats before the fixture. The contest has also been described in related coverage as an example of a strongly South African challenge, despite the acknowledgement that the performance may not be perfect.