Goosen back for Bulls as bid for Springbok selection continues

Johan Goosen will get his first Bulls start in the United Rugby Championship since recovering from his shoulder repair seven weeks ago.

The experienced flyhalf returns to the mix as the 2022/23 campaign nears the business end, beginning with the round 17 clash against Zebre Parma at Ellis Park on Saturday, 15 April, at 1pm.

REMINDER: Why the Bulls are playing at Ellis Park on Saturday

Goosen was brought into the Springbok mix last year, but injuries prevented him from making a return to the international stage, and time has probably already run out for him to force his way into World Cup selection.

The likes of Damian Willemse and Manie Libbok will be viewed as the current back-up options to Handre Pollard at flyhalf, but as Goosen returns to frontline action, he will be hoping to make a last-ditch effort to attract the attention of the Springbok selectors.

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Goosen slots in at 10 alongside scrumhalf Embrose Papier as they both form the halfback combination.

A forwards pack with Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Mornay Smith in the front row will be ahead of the pair, supported by Ruan Vermaak and club captain, Ruan Nortje at lock. Marco van Staden, Cyle Brink and Elrigh Louw will slot into the back row.

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The backline will have David Kriel and Canan Moodie on the wings, while Harold Vorster and Stedman Gans will combine as the centre pairing with Kurt-Lee Arendse at full-back.

Bismarck du Plessis, Dylan Smith, Francois Klopper, Janko Swanepoel, WJ Steenkamp, Keagan Johannes, Chris Smith and Cornal Hendricks will potentially get a run from the bench.

Goosen has reclaimed the Bulls’ No 10 jersey

1. Gerhard Steenekamp, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 3. Mornay Smith, 4. Ruan Vermaak, 5. Ruan Nortje (c), 6. Marco van Staden, 7. Cyle Brink, 8. Elrigh Louw, 9. Embrose Papier, 10. Johan Goosen, 11. David Kriel, 12. Harold Vorster, 13. Stedman Gans, 14. Canan Moodie, 15. Kurt-Lee Arendse

Subs: 16. Bismarck du Plessis, 17. Dylan Smith, 18. Francois Klopper, 19. Janko Swanepoel, 20. WJ Steenkamp, 21. Keagan Johannes, 22. Chris Smith, 23. Cornal Hendricks

UNITED RUGBY CHAMPIONSHIP (URC) FIXTURES THIS WEEKEND – SA TIMES:

Friday, 14 April
18h30: Sharks vs Benetton (Durban)
20h35: Glasgow Warriors vs Scarlets (Glasgow)
20h35: Ulster vs Dragons (Belfast)

Saturday, 15 April
13h00: Bulls vs Zebre Parma (Johannesburg)
16h00: Lions vs Leinster (Johannesburg)
18h15: Stormers vs Munster (Cape Town)
20h35: Cardiff Rugby vs Connacht (Cardiff)
20h35: Edinburgh vs Ospreys (Edinburgh)

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