Johan Goosen and Embrose Papier. ) Photo: GB Jordan. )
Johan Goosen makes his return to the Bulls’ starting team after a shoulder injury kept him on the crutches list for a few weeks.
He, along with Embrose Papier, will be the Pretorians’ link pair when they face Zebre in a United Rugby Championship match on Saturday at Ellis Park.
There will simply be double-door rugby action in Johannesburg when the Lions meet after the Bulls showdown against Leinster at Ellis Park itself.
The Bulls are currently seventh in the HRC standings with 43 points, but the Sharks (41 points), Benetton (40 points), Cardiff (39 points) and even the Lions (38 points) are within striking distance.
A good performance against Zebre is therefore very necessary to make their path to the play-offs more even.
Jake White (coach) will unleash his backline stars – Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie – also against the Italians, while Stedman Gans will have a chance in the no. get 13 jersey.
Up front, Elrigh Louw, Cyle Brink and Marco van Staden are the loose trio, while Ruan Nortjé will line up with Ruan Vermaak.
But back to Goosen.
The 30-year-old flyhalf was at his attacking best when White took him from France a few seasons ago to showcase his skills at Loftus Versfeld.
But it is clear that a few untimely injuries robbed him of his self-confidence and he will have to work hard to find his mojo again.
After all, this is a World Cup year.
The match starts at 13:00 at Ellis Park, while the Lions will take on Leinster at 16:00. Both matches are broadcast live on SuperSport.
Bulls: Kurt-Lee Arendse (full back), Canan Moodie (right wing), Stedman Gans (outside centre), Harold Vorster (inside centre), David Kriel (left wing), Johan Goosen (fly-half), Embrose Papier (scrum-half), Elrigh Louw (eighth man), Cyle Brink (flank), Marco van Staden (flank), Ruan Nortjé (lock and captain), Ruan Vermaak (lock), Mornay Smith (prop), Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and Gerhard Steenekamp (prop). Substitutes: Bismarck du Plessis, Dylan Smith, Francois Klopper, Janko Swanepoel, WJ Steenkamp, Keagan Johannes, Chris Smith and Cornal Hendricks.
???? DOUBLE HEADER ALERT ????
???? This Saturday’s game against Zebre Parma will take place at Emirates Airline Park at 13:00
???? The Emirates Lions will theM play Leinster at 16:00
???? Two games for the Price of one!????️ GET YOUR TICKETS HERE: https://t.co/YNFwV9ELg9@Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/Brmvg0Z1TF
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) April 11, 2023
