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Chris Smith. (Photo by Frikkie Kapp / Gallo Images / Getty Images)
Chris smith will earn his first start on flyhalf when the Bulls host the Pumas in their last Super Rugby Unlocked match at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
The inclusion of Smith means incumbent Morne Steyn gets a well-earned break, with Clinton Swart providing cover from the bank.
The rest of the bottom line remains unchanged.
Up front, Springbok flank Arno Botha will wear the number 7 sweater and Elrigh Louw will leave the game day outfit.
Corniel Els starts as a hooker with Joe van Zyl on the bench in a direct trade with still-injured starter Johan Grobbelaar.
The Bulls have almost assured the unlocked title; the only way they could concede is if the Pumas beat them by 43 points.
“Due to the Covid pandemic and the cancellation of the game between the Stormers and the Sharks, we are in a more fortunate position than expected. Although this is not an ideal situation for the tournament and the teams, we all understand that safety and the well-being of everyone involved comes first, “Bulls rugby director Jake White said in a press release.
“We as a team want to make sure that if we want to be named champions, we want to do it the right way, with a win against a good team from Pumas,” White added.
The start is at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday.
Equipment:
Bulls
15 David Kriel, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Ivan van Zyl, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje , 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Corniel Els, 1 Jacques van Rooyen
Substitutes: 16 Joe van Zyl, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Marcel van der Merwe, 19 Sintu Manjezi, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Clinton Swart, 23 Marco Jansen van Vuren
Pumas
TBA
– Compiled by Sport24 staff
