The Vodacom Bulls face a critical URC showdown against the Stormers in Cape Town this Saturday, with Marcell Coetzee tipped to lead the side in the absence of injured co-captains Ruan Nortje and Elrigh Louw.
Injury Blows but Leadership Depth Remains
The Bulls suffered two significant setbacks in their last match against the Lions:
🚨 Ruan Nortje – Knee injury (Out until April)
🚨 Elrigh Louw – Torn knee ligaments & leg fracture (Long-term absence)
Louw’s surgery has been delayed due to swelling, raising further uncertainty about his return. However, Jake White remains unconcerned about leadership depth.
“We have plenty of leaders,” White said.
Johan Grobbelaar, Reinhardt Ludwig, Nizaam Carr, and Coetzee are all captaincy options.
Coetzee is the most likely choice after previously captaining the team under White’s leadership.
High-Stakes Cape Town Clash
📍 Bulls’ URC Position: 3rd place (two games in hand)
📍 Stormers’ URC Position: 12th place
The Bulls broke a seven-match losing streak against the Stormers at Loftus last year but have never won in Cape Town since joining the URC.
White on the unique challenge
We’ve never played the Stormers in February while sitting third and them 12th.”
We want to finish as high as we can because home advantage in this competition is massive.”
Key Match Factors
🔥 Can the Bulls break their Cape Town curse?
🔥 How will Coetzee handle captaincy in such a high-pressure clash?
🔥 Will the Stormers bounce back after their European disappointment?
📢 Who do you think should captain the Bulls? Drop your thoughts below!
