New signing replaces Bok legend as Bulls make sweeping changes

The Vodacom Bulls have rung the changes for their Investec Champions Cup opener against Stade Français.

Handré Pollard returns at flyhalf, while Elrigh Louw takes over the captaincy.

However, Luan Giliomee being handed a first senior start at fullback is the call that’s bound to get tongues wagging in Pretoria.

The Junior Boks star comes into the backfield, pushing veteran Springbok Willie le Roux to the bench.

Giliomee was an early mid-season transfer from fellow South African URC outfit the Sharks, with many viewing the starlet as a future Bok in the making.  He was effectively signed as part of a swap deal, with the Sharks getting hooker Esethu Mnebelele.

Pollard’s return is another major boost for the Pretoria side. The Springbok playmaker replaces Curwin Bosch at flyhalf and will partner Paul de Wet, who retains the No.9 jersey.

There is a completely new front row, with Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Khutha Mchunu all promoted into the starting side. Cobus Wiese joins JF van Heerden in the second row, while Louw and Marco van Staden come into the back row alongside the retained Cameron Hanekom at No.8.

The Bulls have also freshened up their backline. Cheswill Jooste starts on the left wing, Sango Xamlashe is named at outside centre, while Harold Vorster and Sebastian de Klerk keep their places at inside centre and right wing respectively.

Among the replacements, Embrose Papier comes into the matchday squad, with Stravino Jacobs and Le Roux providing backline options. Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp and Francois Klopper offer front-row cover.

Bulls: 15. Luan Giliomee, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 13. Sango Xamlashe, 12. Harold Vorster, 11. Cheswill Jooste, 10. Handre Pollard, 9. Paul de Wet, 8. Cameron Hanekom, 7. Elrigh Louw (captain), 6. Marco van Staden, 5. JF van Heerden, 4. Cobus Wiese, 3. Khutha Mchunu, 2. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1. Alu Tshakweni.

Replacements: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Francois Klopper, 19. Jaco Grobbelaar, 20. Jeandre Rudolph, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Stravino Jacobs, 23. Willie le Roux.