Four Springboks named in Bulls lineup for All Blacks match

The Vodacom Bulls have named four Springboks in their starting lineup for the upcoming tour match against the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday. Curwin Bosch, Willie le Roux, Embrose Papier, and Marcell Coetzee will all feature in the starting XV for Johan Ackermann's side.

Flyhalf Curwin Bosch returns to South African rugby after spending two years playing in France. He is recognized as an attacking playmaker and a frequent scorer of points. The selection also sees the return of loose forward Hanro Liebenberg, who joins the Pretoria-based side following a period with the Leicester Tigers.

Jeandré Rudolph earns a place in the starting lineup after his performances during the 2025-26 Vodacom URC season. The Bulls bench includes recent additions Hakeem Kunene and Thaakir Abrahams.

The starting XV consists of Willie le Roux, Thaakir Abrahams, Stedman Gans, Harold Vorster, Stravino Jacobs, Curwin Bosch, Embrose Papier, Jeandré Rudolph, Hanro Liebenberg, Marcell Coetzee, JF van Heerden, Ruan Vermaak, Francois Klopper, Juann Else, and Alu Tshakweni. The substitutes are Jaundre Schoeman, Sti Sithole, Khuta Mchunu, Reinhardt Ludwig, Mpilo Gumede, Paul de Wet, Katlego Letebele, and Hakeem Kunene.

Historical data shows the All Blacks have won three of the four previous encounters between these sides since 1949. The single victory for the Bulls occurred in August 1976, when Northern Transvaal beat New Zealand 29-27.