There will be no changes to the line-up of the Vodacom Bulls to play the Crusaders at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Vodacom Bulls coach Frans Ludeke could name the same starting line-up for the third week in a row and with clarity on Willie Wepener’s injury now available, again picked Bongi Mbonambi as back-up hooker.
“Willie is suffering from a virus that attacks his facial nerves and will be out of action for between three weeks and even up to three months. It is a great pity for him, but unfortunately there is no instant cure. We back Bongi to be an able replacement as he is a product of our junior structures. “
Mbonambi could earn a first ever Vodacom Super Rugby cap if he gets a run. The 21 year old is a regular starter in the Blue Bulls Vodacom Cup team.
Ludeke said his side will have to beat the Crusaders if they want to stay in the hunt.
“This is a very important one for us. A win would sustain momentum and our hard work, but a defeat could see us on the wrong side of the log. They are a team full of World Cup winning All Blacks, so we will have to be at our very best.”
The team to play the Crusaders (with Super caps): Zane Kirchner (59), Akona Ndungane (72), Johann Sadie (10), Wynand Olivier (91), Bjorn Basson (30), Morné Steyn (94), Francois Hougaard (33), Pierre Spies (77, c), Jacques Potgieter (5), CJ Stander (5), Juandré Kruger (5), Flip van der Merwe (39), Werner Kruger (63), Chiliboy Ralepelle (40), Dean Greyling (20). Replacements: Bongi Mbonambi (0)*, Frik Kirsten (7), Wilhelm Steenkamp (40), Arno Botha (2), Jano Vermaak (77), Louis Fouché (4), JJ Engelbrecht (5).
* First cap
Milestones:
?Morné Steyn is the leading South African point scorer in Super Rugby ever and could extend that record. He has scored 1046 points (10 tries, 186 penalties, 186 conversions and 22 dropped goals) this far.
?Wynand Olivier is the most experience South African centre in Super Rugby and will play in his 92nd match.
?Bongo Mbonambi will earn a first Super Rugby start if he takes the field. The former St. Albans pupil played for SA Schools and SA u.20’s as a junior.