Pretoria, South Africa – Vodacom Bulls coach Phiwe Nomlomo has made a significant statement of intent, naming seven debutants in his 23-man squad for the opening match of the Carling Currie Cup season against Western Province this Saturday. This move highlights a deliberate focus on youth, with six of the newcomers being under the age of 21.
Ahead of the new season, Nomlomo expressed his satisfaction with the team’s preparations, stating, “The players have trained well”.
The squad for the weekend fixture is brimming with potential, led by flanker and breakdown specialist Nama Xaba. Despite the influx of new talent, the team will be able to draw on the experience of seasoned players such as Marvin Orie, Zak Burger, and Jeandré Rudolph.
The seven players set to make their debut for the Vodacom Bulls are Shaun Schurmann, Jean Erasmus, Jaco Grobbelaar, Dylan de Leeuw, Steven Nel, PA van Niekerk, and Marco Ferreira.
The full matchday squad is as follows:
Starting XV:
- Dylan Smith
- Joe van Zyl
- Francois Klopper
- Sintu Manjezi
- Marvin Orie
- Nama Xaba (C)
- Junior Pokomela
- Jeandré Rudolph
- Zak Burger
- Boeta Chamberlain
- Stravino Jacobs
- Chris Barend Smit
- Stedman Gans
- Katlego Letebele
- Henry Immelman
Substitutes: 16. Shaun Schurmann 17. Lizo Gqoboka 18. Jean Erasmus 19. Jaco Grobbelaar 20. Dylan de Leeuw 21. Steven Nel 22. PA van Niekerk 23. Marco Ferreira
