The Bulls team may receive support from five players from the Springboks squad in the upcoming derby against the undefeated Lions in the United Rugby Championship (URC).
Loose forward Cameron Hanekom could debut for the Bulls in the URC season during the opening derby on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld stadium. The Bulls will be able to bring all their Springboks players back for the match on Saturday afternoon at Loftus Versfeld stadium, which will take place in Gauteng against the Lions.
Head coach Johan Ackermann did not use his international players in the first rounds of the URC because they were attending official events. This forced the Bulls to play without several key players in the first two matches, where they defeated Zebre, but then lost to Munster 26-22 in Limerick last week.
Now Ackermann has the opportunity to use his strongest players against the undefeated Lions, who will arrive in Pretoria with great confidence.
Five Springboks players who could change the game's course
The following five players are being considered as capable of influencing the Bulls' game:
Johan Grobbelaar (Hooker)
Grobbelaar's return will provide the Bulls with an experienced and dynamic option at hooker, as well as add more authority to their set-piece play. The 27-year-old player has proven his worth at the URC level, and his ability to participate across the field makes him an important part of the forwards. Against the Lions, Grobbelaar's accuracy during the lineout and his work rate can be particularly useful, as the Bulls aim to regain control after difficulties in the match with Munster. His return also gives Ackermann the opportunity to rotate hookers more effectively when the Bulls face a demanding match schedule.
Cameron Hanekom (Loose Forward)
If the Bulls decide to include this dynamic player, he could be the perfect counterpunch against the Lions' running game. This Springbok possesses serious power and physical strength both with and without the ball. He is capable of carrying the ball strongly and influencing intense clashes, which could be decisive in the physical derby in Gauteng. His work rate in contesting the ball will also be critical to preventing the Lions from gaining quick possession. Since the visitors plan to bring a lot of energy and momentum to Loftus, the Bulls must ensure their forwards dominate in the early stages. Hanekom can help build this foundation, and if the Bulls can generate forward momentum, it will give their backline more chances to dictate the game.
Handré Pollard (Flyhalf/Inside Centre)
The potential use of Pollard at inside centre could be one of the most intriguing choices for Ackermann, especially if Starin Jacobs is unavailable due to an injury sustained in the match with Munster. With a good start from Kurvin Bosch at flyhalf, Pollard could provide the Bulls with a second option for attack creation while adding defensive solidity in channel #12 against the dangerous Lions midfield. This would also allow Pollard to influence the game without necessarily taking on all the attacking responsibilities from Bosch. Such a combination could give the Bulls a useful balance between attacking intent and Pollard's ability to control territory and tempo with his kicking.
Canan Moodie (Outside Back)
Moodie is another player who can change the Bulls' attacking style. This Springbok in the backline has the speed and power to punish defensive errors, and his ability to play both wing and centre gives Ackermann a lot of flexibility. The Bulls have lost one of their most powerful attacking players, Kurt-Lee Arendse, and Moodie's ability to create something out of almost nothing makes him particularly important against the Lions, who started the season with confidence. If the Bulls can get Moodie into space, he could become one of the players capable of turning the tense derby in their favor.
Jan-Hendrik Wessels (Prop/Hooker)
Wessels provides Ackermann with another valuable option in the front row and, importantly, offers versatility in crucial matches. This Bok can play both prop and hooker, giving the Bulls more flexibility on the bench, allowing Ackermann to manage his team throughout the match. Against the undefeated Lions, the Bulls must match the opponents physically from the first whistle. Wessels's ability to operate in multiple positions could be especially important in the second half, when the game opens up, legs start to tire, and pressure on the set-piece increases. With Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenkamp, and Wessels in the squad, the Bulls should have significantly more firepower up front to contain the Lions.
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