Kuün recalled for WP clash
26 August 2008 (13:31)
Derick Kuün has been selected at hooker ahead of Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bandise Maku for Friday night's ABSA Currie Cup match against the Western Province at Loftus Versfeld.
Coach Frans Ludeke said at the weekly press conference at Loftus on Tuesday that Kuün, who could not play against the Lions or the Griquas, is the Bulls' first choice hooker who did a great job for them in the Super 14.
"It was a tough call to make between Derick, Chiliboy and Bandise, but Derick is our first choice hooker and since he has recovered from his hamstring injury he is back in the starting XV with Bandise on the bench.
"Chiliboy will definitely stay in our system and he will be involved in our next match, but he has identified a few aspects of his game that he would like to work on. We all know that he is not yet at his absolute best after his long lay-off but he is prepared to put in the hard yards in order to maximize his full potential."
Kuün is the only change among the pack of forwards who did a great job against the Griquas and amongst the backs the World Cup Springbok Akona Ndungane comes in to replace Rocco Jansen.
Ndungane could not play against the Griquas because of a hip injury but he made a full recovery and will play in a back three with John Mametsa and Tiger Mangweni.
Wayne Julies will again partner Wynand Olivier in die midfield, while Francois Hougaard will start in the number 9 jersey with Heini Adams on the bench.
Due to the injury of Francois van Schouwenburg and the unavailability of Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw, coach Ludeke did not include a specialist lock on the bench he has no doubts that Pedrie Wannenburg can play in the second row if the need arises.
"Pedrie has played at lock in the past and provides adequate back-up for us. We know that we are a bit thin at lock, but it will be a great test for our depth.
"Wilhelm Steenkamp played in all 13 our Super 14 matches and Juandré Kruger was full of promise against the Griquas. I have a lot of confidence in both of them and they know they have a huge role to play in Friday night's game."
Vodacom Blue Bulls: Tiger Mangweni;Akona Ndungane, Wynand Olivier, Wayne Julies, John Mametsa; Morné Steyn, Francois Hougaard; Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden (captain), Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Juandré Kruger, Rayno Gerber, Derick Kuün, Gurthrö Steenkamp. Reserves: Bandise Maku, Werner Kruger, Dewald Potgieter, Jacques Burger, Heini Adams, Burton Francis, Marius Delport.
|
