The countdown to the biggest match of the Vodacom Bulls’ season is nearly over, and Jake White’s men have locked in their squad for the 2024/25 Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final. With a date against Irish giants Leinster on Saturday, 14 June at Croke Park, kick-off set for 18:00 SA time, the Bulls are banking on continuity—and a touch of “Eskom” power—to light up Dublin.
One Change, Full Intensity
There’s just one enforced tweak to the matchday 23 that edged past Munster in the semi-final. Rising star Cameron Hanekom is sidelined after sustaining an injury in that bruising encounter, opening the door for veteran workhorse Marco van Staden—affectionately nicknamed “Eskom”—to step into the starting XV.
Van Staden takes the No. 6 jersey in a rejigged back row, with skipper Ruan Nortjé remaining at 7 and Marcell Coetzee sliding into the No. 8 slot. It’s a robust, battle-tested loose trio built for heavy traffic and high-impact collisions.
Nemo Returns to the Mix
Nizaam “Nemo” Carr slots into the bench as the only other change to the squad, reinforcing a balanced five-three split. Carr brings calm and class, capable of covering multiple back-row roles and adding a composed presence in the final quarter.
He joins a powerful impact squad featuring the likes of Akker van der Merwe, Jannes Kirsten, and Zak Burger—names that can shift momentum when it matters most.
Tight Five Stays Firm
Up front, White has kept faith in the same engine room that stood tall in the semi. The front row remains unchanged, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Wilco Louw packing down on either side of Johan Grobbelaar. Behind them, Cobus Wiese and young JF van Heerden form a solid lock pairing, offering grunt in the tight and athleticism around the park.
Backline Brilliance
The Bulls’ backline is also unchanged, and why would it be? Willie le Roux continues to orchestrate from fullback, with lightning wingers Sebastian de Klerk and Canan Moodie primed to exploit space out wide.
David Kriel and Harold Vorster bring punch and poise in midfield, while Embrose Papier and Johan Goosen form the creative axis at halfback. Expect plenty of tactical variety and attacking flair under the Dublin lights.
