The Bulls are shaking things up after a disappointing defeat! A massive 11 changes to the starting lineup and a new captain will take the field against Connacht in the United Rugby Championship. But will these adjustments be enough to get them back on track?
After a tough loss to Ulster, the Bulls are making some bold moves. A leadership shake-up sees Reinhardt Ludwig step up as captain, with David Kriel as his deputy. The front row sees a complete overhaul, with Alu Tshakweni and Jan-Hendrik Wessels taking on new roles. And that's just the beginning!
The locks and backrow also witness a significant transformation, with Ludwig's inclusion and the introduction of JJ Theron and Nama Xaba. Controversially, Handre Pollard has returned to South Africa for personal reasons, leaving a gap in the team's dynamic. Paul de Wet and Keagan Johannes will have big shoes to fill in the halfback positions.
Connacht, despite recent struggles in the URC, will be no pushovers. They've managed to stay competitive at home, and their record against South African teams is not to be overlooked. The Bulls, after their unbeaten run was halted, are determined to bounce back, but Connacht will be eager to cause an upset.
This fixture has added spice due to the teams' historical encounters. The Bulls lead the head-to-head with three wins out of four, but their last visit to Galway resulted in a heavy defeat. Can they right the wrongs of the past and maintain their dominance?
Here's the full lineup for the Bulls: Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Dawid Kriel, Jan Serfontein, Sebastian de Klerk, Keagan Johannes, Paul de Wet, Jeandre Rudolph, JJ Theron, Nama Xaba, Reinhardt Ludwig (captain), Cobus Wiese, Wilco Louw, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Alu Tshakweni. The bench includes some strong options for tactical changes.
Will the Bulls' changes pay off? Will Connacht cause an upset on their home turf? Tune in on Friday, October 17, at Dexcom Stadium to find out! And don't forget to share your predictions in the comments—who do you think will come out on top in this intriguing clash of rugby styles?
