Exciting midfielder Johann Sadie will make his debut for the Vodacom Bulls on Saturday after being named in the side that will play the Cheetahs in a friendly match in the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.

Official Bulls Media Release

The 22 year old has joined the Vodacom Bulls from the Stormers and Western Province late last year and has been working hard during pre-season with his new team. He now gets a chance to show his worth to Ludeke, who named a starting team consisting of 11 Springboks.

World Cup attendees Morné Steyn, Francois Hougaard and Chiliboy Ralepelle will all be in action for the first time since the Springboks quarterfinal exit from the World Cup.

Francois Venter and CJ Stander is the only players in the starting line-up without any Super Rugby experience.

“We are keen to see where we are at this stage of the season. The Cheetahs have had some game under the belt and will be a difficult opponent, just what we need now,” Ludeke said.

Ralepelle will captain the Vodacom Bulls, with Pierre Spies (calf) and vice captain Wynand Olivier (wrist) absent due to injury. Jacques Potgieter (back) was not considered.

Team:

15 Zane Kirchner*
14 Akona Ndungane*
13 Johann Sadie
12 Francois Venter
11 Bjorn Basson*
10 Morné Steyn*
9  Francois Hougaard*
8  CJ Stander
7  Dewald Potgieter*
6  Deon Stegmann*
5  Juandré Kruger
4  Flip van der Merwe*
3  Werner Kruger*
2  Chiliboy Ralepelle (C)*
1  Dean Greyling*

Replacements:

16 Willie Wepener
17 Frik Kirsten
18 Wilhelm Steenkamp
19 Arno Botha
20 Jano Vermaak
21 Louis Fouché
22 JJ Engelbrecht

(*denotes Springboks)

●Tickets for the match will be available at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane till Friday. It can also be purchased through Computicket.

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The Bulls B side, or Vodacom Cup side as the Blue Bulls want to refer to them, who plays the Toyota Cheetahs B side at Loftus on Friday at 15:00 at loftus B Field. New recruit Daniel Adongo will earn a first start for the Blue Bulls. He joined from the Sharks recently. The match will also see the return to action of recently signed prop Rayno Gerber.

Team:

15 Jurgen Visser
14 Sampie Mastriet
13 Ulrich Beyers
12 Adri Jacobs
11 Courtnall Skosan
10 Lionel Cronjé
9  Ruan Snyman
8  Jean Cook
7  Daniel Adongo
6  Shaun Adendorff
5  Cornell Hess
4  Gerrit-Jan van Velze
3  Rayno Gerber
2  Bongi Mbonambi
1  Dawie Steyn

Replacements:

16 Robbie Coetzee
17 Louis Alberts
18 Schalk van Heerden
19 Victor Hechter
20 Xander Redelinghuys
21 Tony Jantjies
22 William Small-Smith
23 Travis Ismaiel
24 Vincent Koch
25 Marvin Orrie