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Bulls face wave of criticism after making 13 changes for European QF
By Josh Raisey
Bulls director of rugby Jake White gave plenty of warning that changes were in the offing for their Investec Champions Cup quarter-final against Northampton Saints on Saturday, but the team he has named has nevertheless proven to be controversial.
"Disgrace," "piss take," "absolutely pathetic," "embarrassing" and a "mockery of the tournament," are just some of the descriptions of the team that will run out at Franklin's Gardens on Saturday, with 13 changes from the side that bulldozed Lyon last week at Loftus Versfeld.
Lock JF van Heerden and winger Sebastian de Klerk are the only two survivors from the 59-19 win in Pretoria last Saturday, with Springboks stars like Willie le Roux, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Canan Moodie and Elrigh Louw all granted the weekend off.
But with the Bulls fighting on two fronts this season, sitting in third place in the United Rugby Championship, rotation was inevitable. Not only that, but they are in the midst of a wild schedule which saw them face URC leaders Leinster two weeks ago in Dublin, Lyon last week and reigning URC champions Munster next week.
After a hellish week travelling to Northampton after only having the fixture confirmed last Sunday, White has had to concede that this is the game where players are rested.
It may make sense in the context of the season and the Bulls' pursuit of the URC title, but this is a team-naming that has not gone down well. Then again, plenty are pointing out that this is a squad that should not be written off.
Bulls XV
1 Simphiwe Matanzima
2 Akker van der Merwe
3 Mornay Smith
4 Janko Swanepoel
5 Jacob Frederick Nel Van Heerden
6 Nizaam Carr
7 Celimpilo Gumede
8 Cameron Hanekom
9 Zak Burger
10 Chris William Smith
11 Stravino Jacobs
12 Harold Vorster
13 Henry Immelman
14 Sebastian de Klerk
15 Devon Williams
Substitutes
16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels
17 Dylan Smith
18 Francois Klopper
19 Merwe Olivier
20 Reinhardt Ludwig
21 Keagan Johannes
22 Jaco van der Walt
23 Cornal Hendricks
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Latest Comments
Always proud of the effort, Sam. The All blacks never stop fighting, never just roll over. He didn’t get anywhere near the respect he earned, but that’s due to results, not commitment to the cause. Have fun dominating in Japan!
Go to commentsNot sure why Papali’i thinks Scott Robertson needs his help to select the next All Black Captain. In my view, Papali’i would be well advised to have a good hard look at his own game, and to reflect on how fortunate he is to even wear the black jersey. Rather than shouting at his team mates at every set piece, standing in the mid-field pointing and holding his arms out and flopping to the ground at the back of every second or third ruck, may I suggest he would be far better employed actually doing something on the field. Seriously, watch him for 10 minutes during a game - not much happens. When was the last time he was first to a breakdown, or actually made a turnover? If Robertson is half the Coach I think he is, Papali’i will not be anywhere near the AB’s this season.
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