Goosen and Nortjé back, Moodie on bench for Bulls against Stade Francais

Canan Moodie is on the bench and Johan Goosen is back at flyhalf, while the returns of co-captain Ruan Nortjé and young lock Reinhardt Ludwig from lengthy injury layoffs gave the Bulls team announced on Friday a familiar look for Saturday’s Champions Cup clash against Stade Francais.

Bulls boss Jake White selected his strongest possible side on Friday, although it was surprising to see Springbok utility back Moodie among the replacements for the Loftus Versfeld encounter (3pm start).

Instead, White has opted for a back-three of Devon Williams, Sebastian de Klerk and Sergeal Petersen – with another Bok in Willie le Roux not in the mix this weekend.

The old firm of Stedman Gans and Harold Vorster will man the midfield, while Goosen is reunited with scrumhalf Embrose Papier after sitting out the 49-10 loss to Castres in France last week.

White picked arguably his best loose trio, with young Bok star Cameron Hanekom at No 8, co-captain Elrigh Louw at blindside flank and the experienced Marcell Coetzee at No 6.

But it is the comeback of stalwart lock Nortjé from a torn hamstring injury that has kept him sidelined for months that will make White feel that the Bulls can end their four-match losing streak.

The Bok No 5 has been a colossus for the Pretoria side over the last few years, and his absence coincided with defeats to Saracens, Northampton, the Sharks and Castres.

His leadership will be vital, but his lineout prowess will be even more important as the Bulls have squandered some crucial scoring opportunities in the set-piece over the last few weeks.

The all-Bok front row of Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw are also back together again, with Ludwig, Nizaam Carr and Moodie among the replacements who can make a significant impact in the second half.

The Bulls may be out of contention for the Champions Cup playoffs, but will look to turn their season around ahead of massive United Rugby Championship derbies against the Lions (January 25) and Stormers (February 8), both of which will be away from home. | Independent Media Sport

Bulls Team

15 Devon Williams 14 Sebastian de Klerk 13 Stedman Gans 12 Harold Vorster 11 Sergeal Petersen 10 Johan Goosen 9 Embrose Papier 8 Cameron Hanekom 7 Elrigh Louw (co-captain) 6 Marcell Coetzee 5 Ruan Nortjé (co-captain) 4 Ruan Vermaak 3 Wilco Louw 2 Johan Grobbelaar 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.

Bench: 16 Akker van der Merwe 17 Alulutho Tshakweni 18 Francois Klopper 19 Reinhardt Ludwig 20 Nizaam Carr 21 Zak Burger 22 Boeta Chamberlain 23 Canan Moodie.