Vodacom Blue Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo has named a powerful squad blending experience and youth for Saturday’s Carling Currie Cup opener against DHL Western Province in Cape Town. The team includes seven newcomers, six of whom are under-21 players from the recent Junior Springbok World Champion side, signaling the Bulls’ ambition for a solid campaign.
World Cup winner Marvin Orie stands out in a lineup led by former WP flanker Nama Xaba. The loose trio combines experience with former Free Stater Jeandre Rudolph at No. 8 and Junior Pokomela at No. 7. The engine room features Sintu Manjezi partnering Orie, while halfback duties are handled by Zak Burger and Boeta Chamberlain.
In the midfield, Chris Barend Smit and Stedman Gans will look to create opportunities, supported by wings Katlego Letebele, a former SA under-20 sensation, and the powerful Stravino Jacobs. Fullback Henry Immelman, who featured for the Sharks in the URC, completes the backline.
The seven newcomers are Shaun Schurmann, Jean Erasmus, Jaco Grobbelaar, Dylan de Leeuw, Steven Nel, PA van Niekerk, and Marco Ferreira, bringing fresh energy and talent to the squad.
VODACOM BLUE BULLS TEAM
Starting XV: Henry Immelman; Katlego Letebele, Stedman Gans, Chris Barend Smit, Stravino Jacobs; Boeta Chamberlain, Zak Burger; Jeandre Rudolph, Junior Pokomela, Nama Xaba (captain), Marvin Orie, Sintu Manjezi, Francois Klopper, Joe van Zyl, Dylan Smith.
Replacements: Shaun Schurmann, Lizo Gqoboka, Jean Erasmus, Jaco Grobbelaar, Dylan de Leeuw, Steven Nel, PA van Niekerk, Marco Ferreira.