Bulls select Bok-heavy team to face Leinster in URC final

The Vodacom Bulls have selected 11 Springbok internationals in their starting XV, as they look to put past final disappointments behind them and be crowned champions of the URC.

With opponents Leinster stacked with Ireland players, Friday night’s showpiece match at Croke Park will be like a Test match in all but name.

Head coach Johan Ackermann has stuck with the same matchday 23 that shocked Glasgow in the semi-finals with a 22-21 comeback win at Murrayfield a fortnight ago in the hope that they can finally get their hopes on the trophy.

Looking ahead to the final, the Bulls’ fourth in five seasons, Ackermann said: “For me it’s important that we understand that it’s a privilege to be here. It’s not your right, you’re not entitled to be here. To come to work every day and call this work – it’s a great privilege. We’ve got a shot, and if you ask me, do I believe we can win? Then I’m going to say yes.”

Led by Marcell Coetzee, the Bulls’ back row includes Elrigh Louw and Cameron Hanekom, at seven and eight, alongside their captain and blindside.

Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Francois Klopper make up the front row, while Ruan Vermaak and Ruan Nortje reunite in the second row.

This season’s joint URC leading try scorer, Embrose Papier, has Handre Pollard alongside him at half-back, Harold Vorster and Canan Moodie are the centres, while Stravino Jacobs and Kurt-Lee Arendse form the back three with le Roux.

Vodacom Bulls: Willie le Roux, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie, Harold Vorster, Stravino Jacobs, Handre Pollard, Embrose Papier, Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Francois Klopper, Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje, Marcell Coetzee (CAPT), Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom.
Replacements: Marco van Staden, Jan Hendrik Wessels, Wilco Louw, Cobus Wiese, Jeandre Rudolph, Zak Burger, Stedman Gans, Nizaam Carr.