'Emotional' Bulls not taking any chances with Dragons as heavyweight team named

An emotional Bulls side, who are mourning the loss of former player Cornal Hendricks, are refusing to take any chances with URC strugglers Dragons RFC, with Jake White rolling out a heavyweight side for the last home game of the season.

Head coach White has made a handful of adjustments to the side that defeated Benetton in round 17, opting for continuity in key areas as the team looks to secure momentum ahead of the play-offs.

“Tomorrow will be an emotional encounter for sure because many of our players knew Cornal and others, like Willie, were with him from the start of their careers to their international days,” said White. “Whether we talk about it or try not, I am confident that the emotions will be high tomorrow because he was a player that was well-liked.”

“This is a game where we want to do well. It would be naïve of us to think it will be an easy game, and we must make sure we play as well as we can, looking at the coming weeks. These types of opponents, sometimes, are the most dangerous because they play knowing they do not need to leave anything in the tank.”

“This is one of those games that if you arrive thinking you are going to win, that mindset can come back to bite you,” said White.

Fixture

United Rugby Championship

Bulls

55 - 15

Full-time

Dragons RFC

All Stats and Data

The front row sees Jan-Hendrik Wessels joined by Akker van der Merwe and Mornay Smith, while the second-row combination of Cobus Wiese and JF van Heerden remains unchanged. In the back row, Kuyenzeka Nama Xaba replaces WJ Steenkamp and lines up alongside captain Ruan Nortje, with Cameron Hanekom continuing at No.8.

Zak Burger retains the No.9 jersey and is partnered by Keagan Johannes, who starts at flyhalf after playing most of last week’s match in that role. Canan Moodie moves to outside centre, with David Kriel shifting to inside centre. The changes in midfield open up a starting place for Sergeal Petersen on the left wing, while Sebastian de Klerk, the standout performer in round 17, is again selected on the right. Willie le Roux continues at fullback.

White has also confirmed a five-three bench split, providing a mix of experience and versatility. Johan Grobbelaar, Simphiwe Matanzima, and Francois Klopper will cover the front row, while Jannes Kirsten and Marcell Coetzee are named as loose forward replacements.

Backline cover is provided by Bernard van der Linde, Stedman Gans, and Devon Williams.

The match will be the Bulls’ final home fixture of the regular season.

VODACOM BULLS vs DRAGONS RFC – STARTING XV

1. Jan-Hendrik Wessels
2. Akker van der Merwe
3. Mornay Smith
4. Cobus Wiese
5. JF van Heerden
6. Kuyenzeka Nama Xaba
7. Ruan Nortje (c)
8. Cameron Hanekom
9.Zak Burger
10, Keagan Johannes
11. Sergeal Petersen
12. David Kriel
13. Canan Moodie
14. Sebastian de Klerk
15. Willie le Roux

IMPACT SQUAD
16. Johan Grobbelaar
17. Simphiwe Matanzima
18. Francois Klopper
19. Jannes Kirsten
20. Marcell Coetzee
21. Bernard van der Linde
22. Stedman Gans
23. Devon Williams