Champions Cup: Bulls bring in fresh blood for Northampton Saints mission

Several frontline stars have made way for fresh combinations and rising talent. Springboks Handre Pollard, Willie le Roux, Canan Moodie, Marco van Staden and the experienced David Kriel are all absent, replaced by a mix of youth and seasoned campaigners.

Zak Burger starts at scrumhalf in place of Paul de Wet, while on-loan Kade Wolhuter takes over the No 10 jersey from Pollard. Devon Williams slots in at fullback, with Sergeal Petersen and Stravino Jacobs named on the wings. Stedman Gans returns at outside centre, partnering Harold Vorster.

In the forwards, Marcell Coetzee shifts from No. 8 to blindside flank, with Springbok Elrigh Louw promoted to start at eighthman. Reinhardt Ludwig retains his spot at openside.

On the bench, only Embrose Papier retains a place among the replacements. Otherwise, there is good experience in Nizaam Carr and backline backup via Keagan Johannes.

The changes reflect both rotation and the need to manage player workloads in a demanding European campaign. While the absence of marquee names adds intrigue, the inclusion of hungry youngsters and seasoned stalwarts ensures the Bulls remain competitive.

Bulls - 15 Devon Williams, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Kade Wolhuter, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Akker van der Merwe, 1 Alu Tshakweni.

Replacements: 16 Juann Else, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Mpilo Gumede, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Keagan Johannes, 23 PA van Niekerk.