White mixes and matches for Bulls’ Sharks clash

Bulls boss Jake White has made a number of changes to his team for their final Preparation Series match against the Sharks in Durban on Friday.

Springbok loose-forward Nizaam Carr will continue to lead the team in the absence of Duane Vermeulen.

Blitzbok Tim Agaba is back in the starting lineup at blindside flank, with Werner Gouws shifting to openside.

Janko Swanepoel will wear the No 5 jumper while there is a completely new front row in Springbok props Marcel van der Merwe and Lizo Gqoboka while Schalk Erasmus gets another opportunity at hooker.

Richard Kriel (fullback), Madosh Tambwe (right wing) and Zak Burger (scrumhalf) retain their spots from last week’s win against the Stormers.

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There is, however, a new centre partnership with Marnus Potgieter and Dawid Kellerman entrusted with the responsibility of standing up to the formidable Sharks centres, while Diego Appollis gets a chance on the wing.

Seasoned flyhalf Morné Steyn returns to add valuable experience in what is a youthful backline.

“We could not ask for better opposition in the Sharks for our final ‘warm-up game’,” said White. “It’s our first meeting since our Currie Cup final battle and they’ll want to get one over the champions.

“We’ve continued in our rotation with the focus being on gaining experience throughout our larger squad.”

There are also changes on the bench, with juniors Raynard Roets and Reinhardt Ludwig covering lock and loose-forward, while Clinton Swart, Jay-Cee Nel and Keagan Johannes cover the backline.

Bulls: Richard Kriel, Madosh Tambwe, Marnus Potgieter, Dawid Kellerman, Diego Appollis, Morné Steyn, Zak Burger, Nizaam Carr (capt), Tim Agaba, Werner Gouws, Janko Swanepoel, Jan Uys, Marcel van der Merwe, Schalk Erasmus, Lizo Gqoboka. Bench: Janco Uys, Jacques van Rooyen, Mornay Smith, Raynard Roets, WJ Steenkamp, Keagan Johannes, Clinton Swart, Jay-Cee Nel, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Reinhardt Ludwig, Bernard van der Linde, Niel Beukes.

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