investec-champions-cup
Vodacom Bulls were ringing changes for their own Investec Champions Cup opener against Stade Français.
Handré Pollard returns at half-time, while Elrigh Louw takes over as captain.
However, Luan Giliomee getting his first senior start at full-back is a call-up that will surely make a splash in Pretoria.
The Junior Boxing star comes into the backfield, pushing Springbok veteran Willie le Roux to the bench.
Giliomee was an early mid-season transfer from South African URC side the Sharks, and many viewed the starlet as a future Bok in the making. It was actually signed as part of the swap agreement, with Sharks whore Esethu Mnebelele.
Pollard’s return is another big boost for the Pretoria side. The Springbok playmaker replaces Curwin Bosch at flyhalf and will partner Paul de Wet, who has retained the number 9 jersey.
There is a completely new front row, with Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Khutha Mchunu all promoted to the starting side. Cobus Wiese joins JF van Heerden on the second row, while Louw and Marco van Staden come on the back row with the retained Cameron Hanekom in 8th.
The Bulls also refreshed the back line. Cheswill Jooste starts on the left wing, Sango Xamlashe is named at outside centre, while Harold Vorster and Sebastian de Klerk keep their places at inside center and right wing.
Among the substitutes, Embrose Papier comes into the matchday squad, with Stravino Jacobs and Le Roux providing backline options. Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp and Francois Klopper provide the front row cover.
bulls: 15. Luan Giliomee, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 13. Sango Xamlashe, 12. Harold Vorster, 11. Cheswill Jooste, 10. Handre Pollard, 9. Paul de Wet, 8. Cameron Hanekom, 7. Elrigh Louw, J. Marcaptain, 6.5. Heerden, 4th Cobus Wiese, 3rd Khutha Mchunu, 2nd Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1st Alu Tshakweni.
Replacements: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Francois Klopper, 19. Jaco Grobbelaar, 20. Jeandre Rudolph, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Stravino Jacobs, 23. Willie le Roux.
