Bulls ring the changes
2006-04-05 10:57
Zaahier Adams
Cape Town - Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer has made sweeping changes to his starting XV for the crunch Super 14 clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton.
Four tactical switches have been made by Meyer, plus the selection of former Springbok Under-21 pivot Morne Steyn for the injured Derick Hougaard at flyhalf.
Hougaard sustained an injury to his ankle ligaments in Friday's defeat to the Blues in Auckland.
Steyn, who will be starting his first game of this year's competition, will be paired with scrumhalf Fourie du Preez. The Springbok No 9 replaces Heini Adams at the base of the scrum.
The Pretoria team will also field a new midfield partnership with former Lions and Cats centre Rudi Coetzee joining Wynand Olivier. The hard-running JP Nel will provide cover on the bench, while last week's incumbent Dries Scholtz drops out of the 22-man match squad completely.
The only change in the forward pack sees Springbok tourist Tim Dlulane finally getting his opportunity to display his talents at Super 14 level. The former Falcons flank replaces Danie Rossouw, who earns a well-deserved rest.
Meyer believes his team requires five points from their two remaining overseas matches to maintain their push for a place in the semi-finals. A victory over the inconsistent Chiefs on Saturday will be a major step in that direction.
Bulls team:
Johan Roets, Akona Ndungane, Rudi Coetzee, Wynand Olivier, Bryan Habana, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Pedrie Wannenburg, Jacques Cronje, Tim Dlulane, Victor Matfield (c), Bakkies Botha, Andries Human, Gary Botha, Jaco Engels.
Replacements: Adriaan Strauss, Wessel Roux, Danie Rossouw, Pierre Spies, Heinie Adams, JP Nel, John Mametsa. - Sapa
- News24