{"id":36831,"date":"2026-03-13T20:23:17","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T18:23:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/?p=36831"},"modified":"2026-03-20T06:14:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-20T04:14:33","slug":"ackermann-brings-out-heavy-artillery-for-north-south-derby","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.yfm.co.za\/devworld\/2026\/03\/13\/ackermann-brings-out-heavy-artillery-for-north-south-derby\/","title":{"rendered":"Ackermann brings out heavy artillery for North-South derby"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Image credit: Backpagepix<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The Bulls<\/a> have named a Springbok-laden matchday 23 for Saturday\u2019s north-south derby against the Stormers at Loftus Versfeld.<\/p>\n

Head coach, Johan Ackermann, has recalled experienced forwards to the starting pack as his side looks to gain the upper hand in one of South African rugby\u2019s fiercest rivalries.<\/p>\n

Experienced front-rowers Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw all return to the starting line-up.<\/p>\n

There is one change to the loose trio, with Jeandr\u00e9 Rudolph promoted from the bench to start at eigthman alongside captain Marcell Coetzee<\/a> and Elrigh Louw, who both retain their places.<\/p>\n

The settled halfback pairing of Embrose Papier and Handr\u00e9 Pollard continues at scrumhalf and flyhalf, while the attacking back three of Kurt-Lee Arendse, Sebastian de Klerk and David Kriel will spearhead the Bulls\u2019 offensive threat.<\/p>\n

Bulls team:<\/strong>
\n15 David Kriel, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Handr\u00e9 Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.<\/p>\n

Replacements:<\/strong>
\n16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Marco van Staden, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Willie le Roux.<\/p>\n

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YOUR team to face the DHL Stormers tomorrow at Loftus \ud83d\udc02<\/p>\n

\ud83d\udc49 BUY YOUR TICKETS NOW: https:\/\/t.co\/9eZxO6xGZq<\/a><\/p>\n

14 MARCH | 14:00 @Vodacom<\/a> #URC<\/a> | @URCOfficial_RSA<\/a> #FillUpLoftus<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/VkqZX8gCci<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) March 13, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n