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Johan Ackermann's Bulls makes four changes for visit of Munster


PETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 16: Johan Grobbelaar of the Bulls scores a try during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and Benetton at Loftus Versfeld on May 16, 2026 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images/Getty Images)
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The Vodacom Bulls have named their side for Saturday’s URC quarter-final against Munster at Loftus Versfeld, making four changes to the starting XV from the team that beat Benetton.

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Johan Ackermann’s side are targeting a fifth straight URC semi-final and as they look to turn consistent playoff qualification into silverware.

They have reached the last eight in every season since joining the competition, with all four previous quarter-finals won by the home side.

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The Bulls are in strong form, losing just once in their last 10 URC games. Munster arrive with extensive playoff experience but inconsistent away form.

The Bulls hold a 3-2 edge in previous meetings with the Irish heavyweights.

Kurt-Lee Arendse returns on the wing in place of Devon Williams, while Stravino Jacobs is promoted from the bench to start ahead of Sergeal Petersen. Willie le Roux continues at fullback, with Canan Moodie and Harold Vorster in midfield.

Embrose Papier and Handré Pollard retain their half-back roles.

In the pack, captain Marcell Coetzee returns from illness to start in the back row, replacing Jeandre Rudolph, alongside Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom. Ruan Vermaak comes into the second row to partner Ruan Nortje, with Cobus Wiese moving to the bench.

The front row of Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw is retained.

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The Bulls opt for a six-two bench split, with Marco van Staden joining Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Francois Klopper as front-row cover. Cobus Wiese and Jeandre Rudolph provide further forward reinforcements.

Paul de Wet, Stedman Gans and Sergeal Petersen cover the backline.

Vodacom Bulls: 1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 3. Wilco Louw, 4. Ruan Vermaak, 5. Ruan Nortje, 6. Marcell Coetzee (capt), 7. Elrigh Louw, 8. Cameron Hanekom, 9. Embrose Papier, 10. Handre Pollard, 11. Stravino Jacobs, 12. Harold Vorster, 13. Canan Moodie, 14. Kurt-Lee Arendse, 15. Willie le Roux

Replacements: 16. Marco van Staden, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Francois Klopper, 19. Cobus Wiese, 20. Jeandre Rudolph, 21. Paul de Wet, 22. Stedman Gans, 23. Sergeal Petersen

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Baksteen 4 hours ago

thats an innovative 6-2 bench split cleverly disguised as 5-3

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