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The Bulls have announced a revised matchday squad for Saturday’s highly anticipated United Rugby Championship derby against the Stormers in Cape Town, as head coach Johan Ackermann has chosen a mix of consistency and strategic improvement.

Ackermann has implemented several modifications to the team that fell to the Sharks two weeks back in Durban, adjusting both the forward pack and the backline as the Pretoria-based side aims to begin the new year with a strong performance against their coastal opponents in a fully booked game.

Lock Ruan Nortje makes a return to the starting XV and will take over as captain, replacing Elrigh Louw, who previously led the team in the Shark Tank. Additionally, the loose trio has been restructured, with Springbok utility forward Marco van Staden entering the starting line-up at number six, while Jeandre Rudolph moves to number eight to make way for this adjustment.

In the backline, Canan Moodie is brought in as centre, bringing speed and an attacking presence, while Harold Vorster is replaced. At scrumhalf, Embrose Papier goes to the bench, and former Stormers halfback Paul de Wet is selected to start against his old team. Ackermann mentioned that Papier’s capability to also play on the wing was a factor in this decision, particularly with a 6-2 bench arrangement.

Although there have been changes, the Bulls still maintain a solid, seasoned group. Handré Pollard stays at flyhalf, Willie le Roux will direct play from fullback, and David Kriel continues to be an essential player in the center.

Initially, the entire Springbok front row consisting of Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, and Wilco Louw remains unchanged, providing consistency and set-piece reliability.

The Bulls aim to end a five-game losing run in the URC and Champions Cup, sitting in 12th position on the URC standings with 15 points from seven matches. The Stormers lead the table with 32 points.

The match begins at DHL Stadium at 6 p.m.

Bulls squad set to play against the Stormers:15. Willie le Roux, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 13. Canan Moodie, 12. David Kriel, 11. Stravino Jacobs, 10. Handre Pollard, 9. Paul de Wet, 8. Jeandre Rudolph, 7. Elrigh Louw, 6. Marco van Staden, 5. Ruan Nortje (Captain), 4. Cobus Wiese, 3. Wilco Louw, 2. Johan Grobbelaar, 1. Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: 16. Akker van der Merwe, 17. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18. Khuta Mchunu, 19. Ruan Vermaak, 20. Reinhardt Ludwig, 21. Nizaam Carr, 22. Embrose Papier, 23. Devon Williams