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Pollard returns and Junior Bok Giliomee starts as Bulls overhaul side for Champions Cup opener

The Bulls have made sweeping changes for their Champions Cup clash against Stade Français, with Handré Pollard returning at flyhalf and uncapped youngster Luan Giliomee handed a first senior start at fullback ahead of Springbok veteran Willie le Roux.

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Pollard returns and Junior Bok Giliomee starts as Bulls overhaul side for Champions Cup opener
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The Vodacom Bulls have named a heavily reshuffled XV for their Investec Champions Cup opener against Stade Français, with Handré Pollard returning at flyhalf and Junior Springboks fullback Luan Giliomee handed his first senior start in the most eye-catching selection call.

Giliomee’s inclusion pushes experienced Springbok Willie le Roux to the bench — a bold move that is likely to generate significant debate in Pretoria. The young fullback’s promotion signals a willingness from the Bulls coaching staff to blood emerging talent on the biggest club stage in European rugby.

Pollard’s return is a considerable boost for the Pretoria side. The Springbok playmaker replaces Curwin Bosch at flyhalf and will partner Paul de Wet, who retains the No.9 jersey. Elrigh Louw takes over the captaincy and comes into the back row alongside Marco van Staden and the retained Cameron Hanekom at No.8.

The Bulls have also overhauled their front row entirely, with Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Khutha Mchunu all promoted into the starting side. Cobus Wiese joins JF van Heerden in the second row.

In the backline, Cheswill Jooste starts on the left wing and Sango Xamlashe is named at outside centre, while Harold Vorster and Sebastian de Klerk keep their places at inside centre and right wing respectively.

Among the replacements, scrum-half Embrose Papier returns to the matchday squad, with Stravino Jacobs and Le Roux providing backline cover. Johan Grobbelaar, Gerhard Steenekamp and Francois Klopper are named as front-row options off the bench.

Bulls: 15. Luan Giliomee, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 13. Sango Xamlashe, 12. Harold Vorster, 11. Cheswill Jooste, 10. Handré Pollard, 9. Paul de Wet, 8. Cameron Hanekom, 7. Elrigh Louw (captain), 6. Marco van Staden, 5. JF van Heerden, 4. Cobus Wiese, 3. Khutha Mchunu, 2. Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1. Alu Tshakweni.

Replacements: 16. Johan Grobbelaar, 17. Gerhard Steenekamp, 18. Francois Klopper, 19. Jaco Grobbelaar, 20. Jeandre Rudolph, 21. Embrose Papier, 22. Stravino Jacobs, 23. Willie le Roux.

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