Springbok wingers Canan Moodie and Kurt-Lee Arendse return for the Bulls, but Sbu Nkosi will remain at home for the Pretoria franchise’s trip to Ireland and France this week.
Moodie and Arendse have been involved with the Springboks ahead of the international season, but are now back in the Bulls mix for their United Rugby Championship clash against Ulster in Belfast this weekend.
The Bulls will then head straight to France for their Champions Cup round of 16 tie against Toulouse the following week.
‘Balance side’
In all, the director of rugby at the Bulls, Jake White, has named 28 people for the tour.
The game against Ulster kicks off at 9.35pm on Saturday while the following week’s game against Toulouse kicks off at 4pm SA time.
White told the Bulls media department: “We play in a lot of competitions, so it’s important to balance the team.
“Both teams that are traveling and those that are still focused on the Currie Cup have the best chance of getting the results they want.”
Choice
The Bulls are also in action in the Currie Cup this weekend, taking on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Friday.
“We have left behind players like Lizo Gqoboka, Jacques du Plesssis, Mihlali Mosi and Sbu Nkosi, who need more game time but also wisdom to flank you young when traveling to Bloemfontein,” said White.
There are 15 forwards in the Bulls’ European tour party, including Bismarck du Plessis, Dylan Smith and little-known lock Merwe Olivier and hooker Tiaan Lange.
Veteran Morne Steyn is also in the squad, as is rookie scrumhalf Niel le Roux.
shift
Advanced: Bismarck du Plessis, Cyle Brink, Dylan Smith, Elrigh Louw, Francois Klopper, Gerard Steenekamp, Janko Swanepoel, Johann Grobbelaar, Marco van Staden, Merwe Olivier, Mornay Smith, Ruan Nortje (capt), Ruan Vermaak, Simphiwe Matanzima , Tiaan Lange, WJ Steenkamp
Back: Canan Moodie, Chris Smith, Cornal Hendricks, David Kriel, Embrose Papier, Harold Vorster, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Morne Steyn, Niel le Roux, Sibongile Novuka, Stedman Gans, Zak Burger