Rossouw to partner with Matfield against Highlanders
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Vodacom Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has included Danie Rossouw in the starting side to face the Highlanders at Loftus Versveld on Saturday 5 March at 19h10.
Rossouw replaces Bakkies Botha who has been given a rest after bruising his foot badly against the Toyota Cheetahs in last weekend’s match in Bloemfontein. In partnership with Matfield the Bulls will have a combined total of 214 Super Rugby matches at lock when they run out against the Highlanders.
Rossouw is in turn replaced on the bench by Juandre Kruger who will make his Super Rugby debut if he gets the chance to play. Kruger played in Europe for a few years before making his way back to Pretoria. At 1.97m tall and 107Kg he will offer the Bulls many more options in an already versatile forward pack.
Frans Ludeke said they are expecting a massive challenge from the Highlanders, who have won both their opening games.
“The New Zealand side will pose new challenges, as they have a different style to what we have encountered so far in the competition. They like to off-load in the tackle situation and are very competent at the breakdown. They will be a tough nut to crack,” Ludeke said.
Vodacom Bulls captain, Victor Matfield, expressed his side’s desire to deliver an 80 minute performance in their opening home game, in which the Bulls will be looking for a 19th consecutive win at Loftus Versfeld.
“We are happy with our position on the log, but not with the performances that got us there. We need to play for longer periods and not only produce 40 minutes here and 40 minutes there. This will be a huge challenge, but we trained well. We still need to execute on the day though,” Matfield said.
Vodacom Bulls team:
15. Zane Kirchner; 14. Gerhard van den Heever; 13. Jaco Pretorius; 12. Wynand Olivier; 11. Bjorn Basson; 10. Morné Steyn; 9. Fourie du Preez; 8. Pierre Spies; 7. Dewald Potgieter; 6. Deon Stegmann; 5. Victor Matfield(Cpt); 4. Danie Rossouw; 3. Werner Kruger; 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle; 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp
Replacements: 16. Derick Kuün; 17. Rossouw de Klerk; 18. Flip van der Merwe; 19. Juandré Kruger; 20. Ruan Snyman; 21. Francois Brummer; 22. Stephan Dippenaar
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