Total Eclipse Blacks Out European Sun
· NY Times
The Bulls have named their side to host the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 15 August, blending Springbok class with returning firepower and rising Currie Cup talent as they aim to claim a famous scalp.
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Kick-off is at 19:00.
Four Springboks
Captain Marcell Coetzee leads a match-day squad featuring four capped Springboks, with Willie le Roux adding vast experience out wide.
There is also a welcome return for loose forward Hanro Liebenberg, back on South African soil after a productive stint with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership.
Much of the excitement, though, centres on flyhalf Curwin Bosch, who comes into the run-on side after two years plying his trade in France.
Bosch has long been regarded as one of the most gifted attacking pivots to come through South African rugby, and Bulls fans will be hoping his instinctive running game can unlock an All Blacks defence renowned for its line speed.
He will be flanked by two of the standout performers from the URC campaign in scrumhalf Embrose Papier and loose forward Jeandre Rudolph, both of whom will be central to how the Bulls look to play with tempo and ambition against the touring side.
Biggest stage
On the bench, coach Johan Ackermann has entrusted a spot to Hakeem Kunene, who has impressed since arriving at Loftus Versfeld for the Currie Cup and will be desperate to make his mark on the biggest stage yet.
Also among the replacements is Thaakir Abrahams, the electric former Sharks and Munster wing whose pace could prove a vital weapon.
History, however, is firmly on the All Blacks’ side. In four previous meetings between the sides dating back to 1949, New Zealand have come out on top three times.
The Bulls’ lone victory remains a famous one, with 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 meet again this weekend.
For the current Bulls group, Saturday represents a rare chance to write a new chapter in that history, and with the blend of Springbok know-how, returning quality and emerging talent named, they will fancy their chances of springing an upset at fortress Loftus.
Bulls team
15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vortster, 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 Jaundre Schoeman, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Hakeem Kunene