Nkosi starts for Bulls to complete stunning return to rugby

Springbok wing Sbu Nkosi has been selected in the Bulls starting lineup for Saturday’s North-South URC derby against arch-rivals the Stormers in Pretoria.

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Jake White has made minimal changes to his Bulls herd for this blue-ribbon clash between these two South African rugby titans.

Nkosi, who will play in his first game since returning to the Bulls after he had taken personal time away from the game, starts on the left wing.

The other big change, is the return to fitness and subsequent inclusion of experienced lock Jacques du Plessis, who completes the starting second row with captain Ruan Nortje.

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Because the Pretoria outfit is still without the services of Springbok duo, Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse, who are on a rest break whilst creative midfielder, Johan Goosen recovers from a successful shoulder surgery that will see him sidelined for up to six weeks.

Other changes made by White see Zak Burger and Chris Smith combining at halfback. In the midfield, Harold Vorster and Wandisile Simelane pair up as inside and outside centre’s respectively.

Speedstar, Nkosi returns into the fold on the wing, whilst Cornal Hendricks gets a run on the right with David Kriel shifting to fullback.

Jan-Hendrick Wessels, Simphiwe Matanzima, Francois Klopper, Ruan Vermaak,  Nizaam Carr, Embrose Papier, Morne Steyn and Lionel Mapoe will all get the opportunity their run from the bench.

Steyn, will run out for his 150^th club game in the Super Rugby and United Rugby Championship era, a feat only achieved by a select few players. The Springbok and Bulls legend has spent the last 14 years applying his trade in Pretoria, earning his unrivalled icon status across South Africa’s rugby-loving communities.

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BULLS TEAM TO TAKE ON STORMERS IN URC

Bulls — 15 David Kriel, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sbu Nkosi, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje (captain), 4 Jacques du Plessis, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Subs: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Ruan Vermaak, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Morne Steyn, 23 Lionel Mapoe.