Gerhard Steenekamp boost for Bulls as Willie le Roux also features despite Springboks duty

The Bulls have received a major boost ahead of their United Rugby Championship opener against the Ospreys in Pretoria on Saturday, with Springbok prop Gerhard Steenekamp making a timely return to action.

Steenekamp is one of seven Boks included in Johan Ackermann’s matchday squad for the Loftus Versfeld clash (2pm kick-off).

The powerful loosehead has endured a frustrating layoff, having undergone knee surgery after the Boks’ November tour last year. Complications kept him sidelined for months, with his last appearance coming in the final Test of 2024 against Wales. Now fit again after a strong pre-season, Steenekamp says he is eager to make up for lost time and anchor the Bulls scrum against the Welsh visitors.

Ackermann, in his first official outing as Bulls head coach after replacing Jake White, has also named Test centurion Willie le Roux on the bench. Despite spending much of the week in Durban with the Springboks ahead of Saturday evening’s Rugby Championship clash against Argentina, the veteran playmaker will be available to add his experience to the side.

The Bulls bench also includes fresh recruits in Bok lock Nicolas Janse van Rensburg and ex-Stormers scrumhalf Paul de Wet, both of whom will be eager to make an early impression.

Jan Serfontein also makes his first start for the Bulls in eight years. The inside centre, who returned to Pretoria in the off-season, brings class and much-needed experience to a backline that also features the promising Keagan Johannes at flyhalf.

With veteran No 10 Johan Goosen ruled out through injury, Johannes will have the steadying presence of Springbok scrumhalf Embrose Papier inside him, while Serfontein will be tasked with marshalling the midfield.

Captain Marcell Coetzee leads a side blending international experience with youthful promise amid a crippling injury crisis.

Junior Springboks JJ Theron (No 8) and Cheswill Jooste (wing) have both been handed opportunities to impress at Loftus. Their inclusion reflects the Bulls’ intent to strike a balance between seasoned performers and emerging talent as they look to start the new URC campaign on a winning note.

Bulls team for Loftus Versfeld:

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

Replacements: 16 Juann Else, 17 Alu Tshakweni, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Nicolas Janse van Rensburg, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Willie le Roux.