Bok injection for Bulls’ backline against Cardiff

The Vodacom Bulls have been given a boost by the return of a number of Springboks as Marco van Staden, Johan Goosen, Canan Moodie, Cornal Hendricks and Kurt-Lee Arendse return to the match-23 for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash against Cardiff in Pretoria on Saturday.

The ninth-round clash of the Vodacom URC is set to kick off at 20h00 at Loftus Versfeld, and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Van Staden, Moodie and Arendse still played for the Boks against England last weekend, while Goosen and Hendricks were part of the SA ‘A’ tour squad.

Also back in the mix after missing some action due to injury is Johan Grobbelaar, who slots straight back at hooker for the match against the Welsh side, that beat the Cell C Sharks by 35-0 in Durban last weekend.

Zak Burger, Cyle Brink, Ruan Vermaak and Mornay Smith are promoted from the bench to starting roles, and as a result of the changes to the team, Nizaam Carr, Chris Smith, Lionel Mapoe, Embrose Papier, Janko Swanepoel and Francois Klopper all drop down to the bench, while Wandisile Simelane, Stravino Jacobs, WJ Steenkamp, Bismarck du Plessis, Morne Steyn and Marco Jansen van Vuren are not involved this weekend.

Vodacom Bulls: 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 David Kriel, 13 Cornal Hendricks, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Cana Moodie, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp. Replacements: 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Chris Smith, 23 Lionel Mapoe.

Vodacom United Rugby Championship Vodacom Bulls Jake White Cardiff

Pressure mounts on SA sides in Vodacom URC...

The South African franchises will be under immense pressure to bounce back strongly from disappointing results in the Vo...

Chasing pack looking to close gap on frontrunners...

With just four rounds of league action remaining in the SA Cup – including this weekend’s sixth round – the two frontrun...

Tackle height changes having a positive impact...

SA Rugby praised referees, coaches, and players in the FNB Varsity Cup for their positive approach to the new tackle hei...

Leaders grab crucial away wins in fifth round...

Suzuki Griquas and the Airlink Pumas maintained their unbeaten record in the SA Cup when both again scored important awa...

A weekend that intensified the Vodacom URC logjam...

The Emirates Lions made a strong statement but the two teams that won in South Africa were arguably the biggest winners ...

Ngcobo wants to win the battle and the war in Dubai

The Springbok Sevens squad start will start the Emirates Dubai Sevens on Friday with a healthy dose of reality, but also the expectation that the hard work done on the training field and some personnel adjustments will bring a change in recent fortunes.

Another round of “SA v Wales” in the Vodacom URC

The weekend’s exciting Vodacom United Rugby Championship ninth round action once more will see all four South African sides hosting Welsh opposition, starting with Friday evening’s clash in Durban between the Cell C Sharks and Ospreys, which kicks off at 19h10.

Mixed bag for Springbok Women's Sevens in Dubai

The Springbok Women's Sevens stayed in the run for the International Invitational title of the Dubai Sevens tournament by beating Kenya 31-0 in the second of their pool matches at The Sevens stadium on Thursday after a slow start to the day.

Returning Boks bolster Sharks for Ospreys match

The Cell C Sharks have welcomed back a number of returning Springboks for their Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash against Ospreys taking place at Hollywoodbets Kings Park in Durban on Friday evening.

New-look World Series to grow fans and revenues

World Rugby has outlined an exciting new framework for the future of the Sevens World Series, which will see rugby sevens further embrace its ‘sportainment’ DNA, combining sport and fan entertainment in a festival atmosphere at some of the world’s best-loved locations.

Fourth title in a row for the Blitzboks in Dubai

The Springbok Sevens clinched a fourth consecutive Emirates Dubai Sevens title on Saturday by beating Ireland 21-5 at The Sevens, delivering some commanding performances in the process. Earlier in the day, the Blitzbok outplayed Samoa and New Zealand for a place in the final, with the win edging them towards first spot on the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series log, alongside Australia.

Stormers outlast Dragons in Nelson Mandela Bay

The DHL Stormers outlasted the Dragons 34-26 in a thrilling Vodacom United Rugby Championship contest at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, earning them their sixth win in eight outings this season.

Dazel pleased with effort in Dubai

Springbok Women's Sevens interim coach Renfred Dazel rated his squad's performance at the Emirates Dubai Sevens International Invitational tournament as "a success with objectives reached".

Incredible team effort secured Dubai glory

The lifting of the Emirates Trophy on Saturday evening in Dubai was one thing, the knowledge that so many people worked so hard towards that moment was another, according to Springbok Sevens coach Sandile Ngcobo, after the Blitzboks’ 21-5 victory over Ireland in the final of only his second tournament as coach.