Jooste's form forces Bulls backline shuffle

The Vodacom Bulls have reshuffled their backline, while Cameron Hanekom is restored at No 8 as they prepare for their Investec Champions Cup Round of 16 clash against Glasgow Warriors on Saturday night.

The trip to the 4G pitch at Scotstoun is never easy, but the Bulls have made a few changes for an expected cold and rainy night in Glasgow that they feel will get the best out of their side and deliver a victory for them in the match.

David Kriel has been restored to fullback with Willie le Roux dropping to the bench, while SA under-20 flyer Cheswill Jooste, who scored a blistering try against Munster last weekend, has forced his way back into the starting line-up and caused a bit of a midfield shuffle in the process.

Canan Moodie moves back to outside centre to accommodate Jooste, while Stedman Gans moves down to the bench.

Coach Johan Ackermann wouldn’t say much other than the move was tactical, and they believe they can use Jooste’s pace to their advantage.

YOUR team to face Glasgow Warriors this Saturday 🥶@Vodacom | @ChampionsCup pic.twitter.com/UpDf4CDfiE — Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) April 2, 2026

Games on 4G pitches are notoriously fast paced and the Bulls are looking forward to the challenge that Glasgow brings.

Hanekom’s shift back into the starting line-up comes after two appearances off the bench where he returned from a long-term hamstring injury.

His pace off the mark is a key aspect that has been part of the Bulls' success of the past few seasons and with Nizaam Carr injured, he is the obvious choice back at No 8.

Jeandre Rudloph and Marco van Staden are both on the bench to give the Bulls a double boost at the breakdowns, with Rudolph still heading the URC breakdown stat despite not starting for a number of weeks.

The replacements bench also features fresh energy, with Mornay Smith replacing Khuta Mchunu as the backup prop.

VODACOM BULLS : David Kriel; Cheswill Jooste, Canan Moodie, Harold Vorster, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Handre Pollard, Embrose Papier; Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw, Marcell Coetzee (capt), Ruan Nortje, Ruan Vermaak, Francois Klopper, Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: Marco van Staden, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Mornay Smith, Cobus Wiese, Jeandre Rudolph, Zak Burger, Stedman Gans, Willie le Roux.