JJ Harmse

Pretoria – Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has opted for prop power on his substitutes bench and kicking options in the backline for Saturday’s Currie Cup match against the Sharks in Durban.

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Ludeke picked four props in his squad, which is a clear indication that they are planning a forward onslaught.

“It’s definitely where the major battle will be fought. We have a lot of depth at prop and believe we can use it to our advantage,” Ludeke said in explaining his choices of Frik Kirsten and Jaco Engels on the bench.

With Dean Greyling performing well and Werner Kruger establishing himself as one of the strong men of the competition, Ludeke’s optimism is understandable.

However, he is sweating over an ankle injury to Kruger. If he is unable to play, Kirsten will start and Rossouw de Klerk will move up from the under-21 ranks. De Klerk last played for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup semifinal of 2009.

Ludeke surprised at the back by picking utility back Jaco van der Westhuyzen on the wing ahead of the likes of John Mametsa and Hayden Groepes. He admitted that it was a tactical move.

“Yes, it’s rather that than being down to form. Jaco will be our second flyhalf, which gives us further bench options. He did some good things in the Super 14 and I don’t expect him to disappoint us. His tactical ability and kicking boot also helps a lot,” said Ludeke.

The coach made four changes to his starting line-up, with Gerrit-Jan van Velze returning at No 8. Dewald Potgieter moves to the flank in place of CJ Stander, who will be on the bench.

The team:
Zane Kirchner, Gerhard van den Heever, Jaco Pretorius, Wynand Olivier, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Ruan Snyman, Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Dewald Potgieter, Derick Kuün (captain), Fudge Mabeta, Juandré Kruger, Werner Kruger, Bandise Maku, Dean Greyling.
Substitutes: Henry Bantjes, Frik Kirsten, Jaco Engels, Wilhelm Steenkamp, CJ Stander, Dustin Jinka, Stefan Watermeyer.