Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has made extensive adjustments to the team's starting lineup for the upcoming URC match against Ulster, which will take place at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday. Regular captain Marcell Koczze returns to the squad, replacing Elraig Lowe, who moves from the open flanker position to number 8.
The front row has undergone a complete overhaul compared to the victory over Stade Français last week. Gerhard Stenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, and François Clopper, who were previously on the bench, have been named in the starting lineup. Meanwhile, places have opened up for Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Vessels, and Huty Mchunu. Stenekamp and Grobbelaar will occupy the left and hooker positions, while Clopper will take on the role of tighthead player.
The second row has also seen notable changes: Roan Vermak and Reinhard Ludwig have earned starting spots instead of Kobus Viese and J. F. van Heerden, who will not be included in this week's 23-man squad.
Changes also affected the players in the middle row. Hanro Liebenberg will play as an open flanker, while Marco van Staden, who played at number six against Stade Français, drops to the bench. Koczze takes the number 6 position and assumes the duties of team leader.
Lowe's move into the back of the scrum forces Cameron Hanekom, who was the starting number 8 last week, to move into the reserve.
The combinations in the halfback and backline remain unchanged compared to last week's 56-20 victory. Paul de Wet continues to play at scrum-half alongside Hendre Pollard at flyhalf, and the central midfield pairing of Harold Forster and Sango Ksamlashe, as well as the backline trio of Chesville Johnstone, Sebastian de Clercq, and Luan Gilimee, are retained.
The 23-man squad includes Zac Burger, Kurwin Bosch, and Dylan Mart. Bosch will provide cover at flyhalf and versatile backfield, while Mart adds options among the backline players. Embros Papier, Stravino Jacobs, Willy le Roux, and Jaco Grobbelaar have been excluded from the day's squad.
The large rotation, involving eight changes to the starting lineup, reflects the demands of a season where the Bulls are balancing commitments in the Champions Cup and URC during a busy start to the season.