Bulls Marcell Coetzee

The Bulls are reportedly in frantic negotiations to extend captain Marcell Coetzee’s Loftus Versfeld contract. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images

Marcell Coetzee returns to lead Bulls in Jukskei derby

Marcell Coetzee missed the Bulls match against Jacques Nienaber’s South Africa ‘A’ side which the men in blue won.

Bulls Marcell Coetzee

The Bulls are reportedly in frantic negotiations to extend captain Marcell Coetzee’s Loftus Versfeld contract. Photo: Christiaan Kotze/Gallo Images

Marcell Coetzee returns to lead the Bulls in Sunday’s Currie Cup Jukskei derby against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld.

Coetzee is joined in returning to the fray by fellow loose forward Elrigh Louw. Coetzee missed the match against Jacques Nienaber’s South Africa ‘A’ side due to Covid-19 protocols, while Louw has been sideline with a knee injury for the last month.

Jake White rings the changes for Bulls derby match

Hooker Johan Grobbelaar is also back in the starting lineup having scored coming off the bench last time out.

Jake White has also shuffled the back division with Cornal Hendricks going out to the wing after a long spell at inside centre. Kriel brothers David and Richard will operate at fullback and left wing, to complete the back three.

“We are looking forward to get back to action in the Carling Currie Cup, especially against a quality outfit such as the Lions – a team that always pitches up to produce an enthralling Jukskei derby,” White said on Friday.

“Of course, to be able to select players like Lionel Mapoe and Johan Goosen, whom we have no doubt will add value to this team, is something we particularly look forward to.

“Further to that, we have youngsters like Sibongile Novuka, who caught our eye with his stellar performances in the Varsity Shield, to add their youthful exuberance. We can surely expect nothing less than a superb battle between two determined sides on Sunday.”

Bulls team vs Lions

15 David Kriel 14 Cornal Hendricks 13 Lionel Mapoe 12 Harold Vorster 11 Richard Kriel 10 Johan Goosen 9 Zak Burger 8 Elrigh Louw 7 Muller Uys 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain) 5 Ruan Nortje 4 Walt Steenkamp 3 Jacques van Rooyen 2 Johan Grobbelaar 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.

Bench: 16 Schalk Erasmus 17 Gerhard Steenekamp 18 Mornay Smith 19 Janko Swanepoel 20 Nizaam Carr 21 Keagan Johannes 22 Chris Smith 23 Sibongile Novuka.

Match info

Bulls vs Lions

Date: Sunday, 25 July

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 15:15

Referee: Paul Mente

Assistant Referees: Local appointments

Television Match Official: Marius van der Westhuizen

TV: SuperSport

Livestream: DStv Now

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