Johan Ackermann is showing his hand early by naming a powerhouse 33-man Bulls touring squad for the upcoming Investec Champions Cup knockout match.
The Vodacom Bulls face a daunting trip to Scotland this Saturday to take on Glasgow at 6.30pm SA time. Ackermann has selected 14 Springboks to lead the charge, ensuring the Pretoria side has maximum international experience for the round of 16 fixture.
The traveling group features a blend of seasoned veterans and rising stars such as Reinhardt Ludwig and Cheswill Jooste.
“It’s good to see Johan is taking this seriously. This is do or die, and you can’t leave any of your best players out of this equation!” – Jay | JPS
Following the European knockout clash, the side will remain in the United Kingdom for two United Rugby Championship fixtures against the Dragons and Scarlets. Ackermann noted that if the team is in the play-offs, they must give it a full go, as reported by official team communications.
The coach emphasized that the squad needs to find another gear after their recent performance against Munster if they hope to win.
TOURING SQUAD
- Gerhard Steenekamp/Alulutho Tshakweni/Jan-Hendrik Wessels
- Johan Grobbelaar/Marco van Staden
- Mornay Smith/Francois Klopper/Khuta Mchunu
- Ruan Vermaak/Cobus Wiese
- Ruan Nortje/Reinhardt Ludwig/JF van Heerden
- Marcell Coetzee/Jeandre Rudolph
- Elrigh Louw/Mpilo Gumede
- Cameron Hanekom
- Embrose Papier/Paul de Wet/Zak Burger
- Handre Pollard/Keagan Johannes
- Kurt-Lee Arendse/Sergeal Petersen
- Harold Vorster/Stedman Gans
- Canan Moodie/Katlego Letebele
- Cheswill Jooste/Devon Williams
- David Kriel/Willie le Roux
The backline depth is equally impressive with Handre Pollard and Kurt-Lee Arendse set to provide the necessary spark in the back field. The squad departs for the United Kingdom this Monday evening with several key players missing out due to unavailability.
Akker van der Merwe, Nizaam Carr, and Wilco Louw have not been included in the traveling group for this specific leg of the tour.
📸 Photos via Blue Bulls / Anton Geyser / Gallo Images
