Blue Bulls coach Pote Human makes the tough decisions going into Saturdays game against the Highlanders at Loftus Versfeld.
The Bulls are winless in the Super Rugby and the loss to the Jaguares proved to be the last straw. Human in his post match press conference stated that the man from Pretoria were physically outplayed and he has shuffled the forward pack; bringing in Ruan Nortje, Ian Groenewald, Muller Uys. Mannie Libbok also gets to start at flyhalf coming in for Morne Steyn.
"I just thought that we were physically outplayed, there was no one at fault, they outplayed us physically and I thought these changes were necessary. We just brought in a couple of youngsters, especially in the pack. They will bring in some energy. These are guys who were knocking on the door during preseason, this is an opportunity for them to show what they can do. Mannie Libbok also gets his start, we really hope he can bring something different to the backline, " said Human.
Eyes will be on highly rated youngster Muller Uys who is set to make his debut against the Highlanders. Uys led the Blue Bulls U/21 to a SA Rugby U/21 Championship win last year. Human is excited about giving the No.8 his chance.
"He deserves it, I did say previously that it is going to be difficult to leave him out. Unfortunately he had a bad cut on the forehead in the first friendly game, so now he is ready to go. I'm excited for him getting his first Super Rugby cap. He is a special player, he is going to be a special player for the Blue Bulls for many years to come," raved Human.
The Blue Bulls are winless in five games, and Human has urged his charges to get things right on Saturday in order to get back in favour with their fans.
"We need to do things a little different this week, we are in Round 6 and are yet to win. Tough choices had to be made and the players and I understand what needs to be done and accept the accountability. There is no doubt that we have our backs against the wall and will need to deal with that pressure to restore the pride and belief to the Loftus faithful," concluded Human.
Vodacom Bulls: 15. Warrick Gelant, 14. Cornal Hendricks, 13. Nafi Tuitavake, 12. Johnny Kotze, 11. Rosko Specman, 10. Manie Libbok, 9. Embrose Papier, 8. Muller Uys, 7. Josh Strauss, 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Ian Groenewald, 3. Trevor Nyakane (C), 2. Jaco Visagie, 1. Lizo Gqoboka.
Replacements: 16. Corniel Els, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Wiehahn Herbst, 19. Ryno Pieterse, 20. Ruan Steenkamp, 21. Ivan van Zyl, 22. Morné Steyn, 23. Divan Rossouw.
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