Ackermann to officially begin Bulls tenure

New Bulls head coach, Johan Ackermann, has named six Springboks in his matchday 23 for their United Rugby Championship opener against Ospreys in Pretoria on Saturday, despite being hit hard by injuries.

Gerhard Steenekamp returns from injury, while Junior Springboks JJ Theron and Cheswill Jooste are included. Captain Marcell Coetzee will lead from the back row.

With Johan Goosen sidelined, Keagan Johannes takes the No.10 jersey, and Jan Serfontein makes a notable return to the Bulls midfield after eight years, partnering David Kriel.

Test centurion Willie le Roux has been named on the bench, having trained with the Springboks this week at the request of national head coach Rassie Erasmus.

Ackerman has admitted to being nervous ahead of his first match at the Pretoria side.

YOUR team to take on Ospreys in the opening match of the 2025/26 VURC season 🥶

🎟️ TICKETS ➡️ https://t.co/m0aR7qqnbH

🏆 Vodacom Bulls vs Ospreys | 27 Sept | 14:00 | Loftus@Vodacom #URC | @URCOfficial_RSA #TheUnbreakableLine pic.twitter.com/ei7Yv4dKXi

— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) September 25, 2025

Bulls team vs Ospreys:
1. Gerhard Steenekamp
2. Johan Grobbelaar
3. Mornay Smith
4. Cobus Wiese
5. JF van Heerden
6. Marcell Coetzee (capt.)
7. Mpilo Gumede
8. JJ Theron
9. Embrose Papier
10. Keagan Johannes
11. Sebastian de Klerk
12. Jan Serfontein
13. David Kriel
14. Cheswill Jooste
15. Devon Williams

Replacements: Juann Else, Alu Tshakweni, Francois Klopper, Nicolas Janse van Rensburg, Nama Xaba, Paul de Wet, Stedman Gans, Willie le Roux.

Written by: Ntsako Mukhari