Bulls make key tactical reinforcements for high-stakes URC clash with Sharks
By
SABC Sport
27th February 2026
The Vodacom Bulls have named several changes to their starting XV for Saturday's United Rugby Championship match against the Hollywoodbets Sharks at Loftus Versfeld.
The biggest shifts come in the back three, with David Kriel promoted from the bench to start at fullback in place of Devon Williams. He will be joined by a new wing combination of Sebastian de Klerk and Kurt-Lee Arendse.
The halfback pairing remains unchanged, with Embrose Papier and Handre Pollard continuing as the core of the Bulls' attack. In midfield, Harold Vorster retains his spot but now partners with the returning Canan Moodie, as Stedman Gans drops out of the matchday squad.
Coach Johan Ackermann has also rotated the forward pack. Jan-Hendrik Wessels shifts from loosehead prop to hooker, with Alulutho Tshakweni stepping in at loosehead. Morne Smith replaces Wilco Louw at tighthead, who is named among the replacements.
In the second row, Ruan Nortje returns to partner Ruan Vermaak, replacing Reinhardt Ludwig. Nizaam Carr starts at eighthman, moving Jeandre Rudolph to the bench, while Marcell Coetzee and Elrich Louw remain on the flanks.
The replacements bench features experienced options across both backs and forwards. Willie le Roux and Paul de Wet provide specialist cover for the backline, while Stravino Jacobs moves to an impact role. Marco van Staden and Cobus Wiese are set to reinforce the forwards as needed.
For the URC's Origins Round, Grey College (Bloemfontein), Paarl Gym, and Boland Landbou are the most represented schools, each with two players in the squad.
Late-week ticket sales have been strong, though some tickets remain for what promises to be a high-intensity encounter at Loftus.
Bulls - 15 David Kriel, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Nizaam Carr, 7 Elrich Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (Captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Morne Smith, 2 Jan Hendrik Wessels, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni.
Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Jeandre Rudolph, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Willie le Roux, 23 Stravino Jacobs.
