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Bulls change 3 for Leinster semi-final with one Bok in and one out
By Josh Raisey
The Bulls have made three changes to their starting XV for their United Rugby Championship semi-final against Leinster on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld.
Jake White has made just one change in the pack, with Springbok flanker Marco van Staden returning and pushing Nizaam Carr onto the bench. Jannes Kirsten, who started on the bench last week in the 30-23 win over Benetton, has in turn dropped out of the matchday squad.
Following World Cup winner Kurt-Lee Arendse's emergency surgery this week for a fractured cheekbone, the winger has dropped out, with his replacement last week, Sergeal Petersen, starting.
The other change in the back line sees another alteration on the wing, with Devon Williams starting instead of Sebastian de Klerk. Cornel Smit, meanwhile, has moved onto the bench to provide cover in the backs.
A victory will see the Bulls reach their second URC final having lost to the Stormers in the 2022 final.
On the return of van Staden, White said: “It is nice to have him back; he has the experience, has played at a World Cup and he wants to play. I am sure he also wants to play in two weeks (against Ireland for the Springboks).”
Bulls XV
15. Willie le Roux
14. Segeal Petersen
13. David Kriel
12. Harold Vorster
11. Devon Williams
10. Johan Goosen
9. Embrose Papier
1. Gerhard Steenekamp
2. Johan Grobbelaar
3. Wilco Louw
4. Ruan Vermaak
5. Ruan Nortje (c)
6. Marco van Staden
7. Elrigh Louw
8. Cameron Hanekom
Replacements
16. Akker van der Merwe
17. Simphiwe Matanzima
18. Francois Klopper
19. Reinhardt Ludwig
20. Nizaam Carr
21. Keagan Johannes
22. Chris Smith
23. Cornel Smit
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Latest Comments
In regards to Mack Hansen, Tuipoloto and others who talent wasnt 'seen'..
If we look at acting, soccer and cricket as examples, Hugh Jackman, the Heminsworths in acting; Keith Urban in Nashville, Mike Hussey and various cricketers who played in UK and made the Australian team; and many soccer players playing overseas.
My opinion is that perhaps the ' 'potential' or latent talent is there, but it's just below the surface.
ANd that decision, as made by Tane Edmed, Noah, Will Skelton to go overseas is the catalyst to activate the latent and bring it to the surface.
Based on my personal experience of leaving Oz and spending 14 months o/s, I was fully away from home and all usual support systems and past memories that reminded me of the past.
Ooverseas, they weren't there. I had t o survive, I could invent myself as who I wanted, and there was no one to blame but me.
It bought me alive, focused my efforts towards what I wanted and people largely accepted me for who I was and how I turned up.
So my suggestion is to make overseas scholarships for younger players and older too so they can benefit from the value offered by overseas coaching acumen, established systems, higher intensity competition which like the pressure that turns coal into diamonds, can produce more Skeltons, Arnold's, Kellaways and the like.
After the Lion's tour say, create 20 x $10,000 scholarships for players to travel and play overseas.
Set up a HECS style arrangement if necessary to recycle these funds ongoingly.
Ooverseas travel, like parenthood or difficult life situations brings out people's physical and emotional strengths in my own experiences, let's use it in rugby.
Go to commentsI agree what a load of crap! The ABs are elite sportsmen and ALL sportsmen want to challenge themselves against the best. And where better than Eden Park - some say that is our fortress. Well the ABs will relish the chance to build on that notion I am sure.
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