Johan Ackermann names powerhouse Bulls side for Glasgow knockout clash

The Bulls have made their intentions crystal clear ahead of their Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Glasgow Warriors, naming a near full-strength Springbok-laden side for Saturday’s knockout encounter at the Scotstoun Stadium (6.30pm kick-off).

Despite remaining firmly in the hunt in the United Rugby Championship (URC), head coach Johan Ackermann has opted against rotation, signalling an all-in approach as the Pretoria outfit pursues European glory.

No fewer than ten Springboks are included in the starting XV, with a further four internationals providing impact from the bench — a clear statement of intent for a tough away fixture.

Embrose Papier and Handré Pollard continue as the trusted halfback pairing, entrusted with controlling territory and tempo for the visitors. At the back, David Kriel returns in the No 15 jersey following Willie le Roux’s relegation to the replacement bench, while Canan Moodie shifts to outside centre to accommodate the pace of Cheswill Jooste on the wing.

In the forward pack, Cameron Hanekom earns a start at No 8 in place of the injured Nizaam Carr, adding dynamism and speed to the loose trio. Versatile forward Jeandré Rudolph provides cover on the bench.

Given the quality and experience packed into the matchday squad, there can be little doubt: the Bulls are treating this as a defining European fixture, and they are keen on maintaining the winning momentum the core of the side has picked up over the last couple of games.

Speaking on his selections, Ackermann said they wanted to keep the continuity of the last two games going.

“There are a few of our players unlucky not to be selected, but we must be at our best because Glasgow is one of the best sides in the competition,” according to Ackermann.

“They have plenty of internationals, Scotland had a good Six Nations, and there are a lot of players with confidence in that side. They play an exciting brand of rugby and score a lot of tries. They have a good set piece and an excellent home record.

“This is a big game and an opportunity for us to progress in a competition; therefore, we felt we could keep the continuity going in terms of selection. It is a game where we will give it our best. Obviously, in every match you play, you want to win. If we do end up on the winning side, we will take things from there. If we do not, there will be a week that we don’t play.

“We can’t control the future; we can only control what is ahead, and that is Glasgow. That is the challenge.”

Ackermann feels they’ve put Hanekom through his paces enough off the bench, and it is time for him to grab the opportunity as the starting eighth man. Jooste and Kriel will also have strong contributions to make, given their selection ahead of senior players.

The coach added that they respect both competitions and want to give it a go in the Champions Cup. He was not going to pick one over the other in his first season.

“We will reassess where we are after the Glasgow game. We are not looking ahead of ourselves and can’t worry about the URC now. It is time for Europe first, and then we’ll take it from there.”

Bulls XV

15 David Kriel, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Jeandré Rudolph, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Willie le Roux.