The inclusion of Manie Libbok is the only change to the Vodacom Blue Bulls starting lineup for Saturday’s crunch match against Griquas at Loftus.
After his side secured their maiden win of the tournament against the Pumas last Saturday, coach Pote Human opted for consistency in selection, with Libbok the only player to rotate back into the run-on XV.
The 22-year-old replaces Marnitz Boshoff, who had delivered an indifferent performance in the game against the Pumas. Boshoff reverts to the bench.
There is one other swap among the reserves, with Blitzboks export Stedman Gans coming in for Jade Stighling.
‘The swop between Marnitz and Manie is purely tactical as we approach this match against Griquas slightly different,’ Human said.
‘Also, it is nice to have Stedman back in the mix and I am keen to see him showing us what he is capable of. Jade did nothing wrong, but with Stedman in, we have a bit more flexibility in the backline.’
Blue Bulls – 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Dylan Sage, 12 Johnny Kotze, 11 Rosko Specman, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Tim Agaba, 7 Marco van Staden, 6 Ruan Steenkamp (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Wiehahn Herbst, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Simphiwe Matanzima.
Subs: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Adri Smit, 20 Wihan Vosloo, 21 Andre Warner, 22 Marnitz Boshoff, 23 Stedman Gans.
Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images