Bulls name Curwin Bosch in powerful starting side to face All Blacks

The Bulls have named a strong team to host the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, with Curwin Bosch returning to the starting line-up as they target a famous victory over New Zealand.

Captain Marcell Coetzee heads a match-day squad containing four capped Springboks, while experienced back Willie le Roux provides further international quality in the backline.

The Bulls will also welcome back loose forward Hanro Liebenberg, who has returned to South Africa following a successful spell with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership.

Bosch is the headline selection. The fly-half comes into the run-on side after spending the past two years playing in France and will be given the opportunity to test his attacking instincts against one of the world’s most respected defences.

The 28-year-old has long been regarded as one of the most naturally gifted attacking fly-halves to emerge from South African rugby. Bulls supporters will hope his ability to run with the ball and create opportunities can unsettle an All Blacks defence known for its aggressive line speed.

He will be supported by scrum-half Embrose Papier and loose forward Jeandre Rudolph, two of the prominent performers from the Bulls’ United Rugby Championship campaign. Their ability to maintain a fast tempo will be central to the home side’s plans against the touring New Zealand team.

Coach Johan Ackermann has selected Hakeem Kunene among the replacements after the player impressed since joining the Bulls for the Currie Cup. Kunene will be aiming to make an impact on what would be the biggest stage of his career so far.

Thaakir Abrahams is also included on the bench. The former Sharks and Munster wing offers pace and attacking threat, potentially giving the Bulls another option late in the match.

While the Bulls have assembled a side blending Springbok experience, returning talent and emerging Currie Cup performers, the historical record favours the visitors.

The teams have met four times since their first encounter in 1949, with New Zealand winning three of those matches. The Bulls’ only victory came in August 1976, when Northern Transvaal defeated the touring All Blacks 29-27.

That result will reach its 50th anniversary almost to the day when the sides meet again this weekend.

The Bulls’ starting XV is: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Voster, 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.

Related: Mind games begin as All Blacks turn up heat on refs