Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has named six Springboks in his starting XV for Saturday’s URC match against the Ospreys in Pretoria

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PRETORIA, SOUTH AFRICA - MAY 10: Wilco Louw of the Bulls scores a try during the United Rugby Championship match between Vodacom Bulls and Cardiff Rugby at Loftus Versfeld on May 10, 2025 in Pretoria, South Africa. (Photo by Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images)

Vodacom Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has named six Springboks in his starting XV for Saturday’s URC match against the Ospreys in Pretoria.

This will be the first test of Ackermann’s coaching regime since being installed in the position two months ago.

Among the most significant selections are returning Springbok loosehead prop Gerhard Steenekamp, back from injury, Junior Springboks JJ Theron and Cheswill Jooste, and captain Marcell Coetzee.

The team has a robust mix of experience and new blood, all of whom have had strong pre-season training

Meanwhile, injury to Johan Goosen has given Keagan Johannes an opportunity to stake a claim for the No 10 jersey, while Jan Serfontein will be back in blue for the first time in eight years, slotting in alongside David Kriel in midfield.

Test centurion Willie le Roux has been named on the bench.

BULLS – 15 Devon Williams, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 David Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Sebastian de Klerk, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 JJ Theron, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Bench: 16 Juann Else, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Nicolas Janse van Rensburg, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Willie le Roux.

The Bulls start their URC campaign at home against the Ospreys and defending champions Leinster before embarking on a three-match tour of Ireland and Scotland. They’ll get a festive-season break this year, with their round eight home clash against the Stormers moved to March.

KEY PLAYER
Springbok flyhalf Handré Pollard returns to the Bulls on a two-year deal, having initially been linked with a move from the Leicester Tigers to Japan. Pollard played 72 matches for the Bulls from 2013 to 2019 before joining French Top 14 club Montpellier, and spent the past three seasons in England. The double World Cup winner brings a physical presence to the Bulls’ No 10 role that the injury-prone Johan Goosen lacks, taking the ball to the line and making excellent decisions. His tactical kicking will ensure the Bulls play in the right areas, while his goal-kicking record – including under immense pressure – speaks for itself.

PLAYERS IN
Paul de Wet (Stormers)
Nico Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier)
Handré Pollard (Leicester)
Jeandré Rudolph (Cheetahs)
Jan Serfontein (Montpellier)