Bulls get Bok boost for derby

Springbok tighthead prop Wilco Louw returns to strengthen the Vodacom Bulls starting pack for the derby against the DHL Stormers in Pretoria on Saturday.

With just 120 tickets left for sale by Friday midday, the North-South derby is set to be played in front of a sold-out crowd at Loftus Versfeld.

Springbok tighthead Louw has recovered from a shoulder injury and starts in one of three changes to the Vodacom Bulls’ pack.

Marcell Coetzee is back in the starting lineup – replacing Cameron Hanekom – after playing off the bench against the Lions at Ellis Park and co-captains the team with Ruan Nortje.

The Vodacom Bulls will be without Elrigh Louw for the match. Ruan Vermaak partners Nortje in the second row, with Reinhardt Ludwig switching from lock to blindside flank.

There is just one further change in the backline, as Johan Goosen dons the No 10 jersey in place of Jaco van der Walt.

The Vodacom Bulls have opted for a six-two split on the bench, which sees returns for veteran flank Nizaam Carr, scrumhalf Zak Burger and Springbok fullback Willie le Roux.