Bulls vs All Blacks: Final team line-ups, kick-off time, prediction
· The South African
The All Blacks face their toughest assignment of their South African tour so far when they take on the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 15 August with several players fighting for places in the team that will face the Springboks.
Kick-off is at 19:00.
Visit rouesnews.click for more information.
New Zealand head coach Dave Rennie has made a number of changes for the clash, giving the impression of a second-string selection.
However, the match could prove crucial as Rennie looks for answers before the four-Test series against the Springboks.
The Bulls and Stormers were among the strongest South African sides in last season’s United Rugby Championship, making Saturday’s fixture an important examination for New Zealand.
Beauden Barrett handed fullback role
One of the biggest talking points is the selection of Beauden Barrett at fullback.
Barrett has struggled to hit his best form at flyhalf, while New Zealand have also brought Richie Mo’unga into the squad following the injury to Billy Proctor.
For the fringe players, Saturday could be their final opportunity to impress Rennie before the Test squad is finalised.
Bulls get Springbok boost
The Bulls have received a significant boost with Elrigh Louw and Johan Grobbelaar released from the Springbok squad.
Both players will start on the bench after being made available for the clash.
The Bulls will still be without several key players who remain with the Springboks, while Akker van der Merwe and Sebastian de Klerk are unavailable through injury.
Scrum under pressure
The All Blacks showed improvement in their victory over the Sharks, particularly in discipline and their aerial game, but their scrum remains a concern.
The Bulls are expected to provide a much stronger test of New Zealand’s forward pack, particularly at altitude.
New Zealand assistant coach Tana Umaga has also called for his team to increase the tempo, with the All Blacks determined to play faster rugby and keep the ball in play.
Final chance before the Tests
Rennie has stressed that the match is far more than a tour fixture, pointing to the Bulls’ record and the challenge of playing at Loftus.
With the first Test against the Springboks fast approaching, Saturday’s encounter could be the final audition for several All Blacks hopefuls – and an important warning for the Springboks of what is coming.
Prediction
All Blacks to win by 7 points
TEAMS
Bulls15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Vortster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Alu Tshakweni
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Sti Sithole, 18 Khuta Mchunu, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Katlego Letebele, 23 Hakeem Kunene
New Zealand15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Leroy Carter, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Anton Lienert-Brown, 11 Josh Moorby, 10 Josh Jacomb, 9 Cortez Ratima, 8 Peter Lakai, 7 Anton Segner, 6 Simon Parker, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu, 4 Fabian Holland, 3 Tyrel Lomax, 2 Codie Taylor (captain), 1 Xavier Numia
Replacements: 16 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 17 George Bower, 18 Siale Lauaki, 19 Josh Lord, 20 Wallace Sititi, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 23 Emoni Narawa
Referee: Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Matthew Carley (England)
TMO: Eric Gauzins (France)