RUGBY NEWS - SA under-20 scrumhalf Embrose Papier gets a chance to make an indelible impression when he runs on in the Vodacom Bulls' first pre-season game against the Cell C Sharks in Polokwane on Saturday.
Papier, who was described by coach John Mitchell as “exciting” and was preferred over Springbok halfback Rudy Paige, is seen as the future of the side and will partner Manie Libbok in a young halfback combination for the game.
Adriaan Strauss makes a welcome return to the field in a side captained by Burger Odendaal and which also features former Kings flank Thembelani Bholi, Currie Cup star Marco van Staden and a return to the field for Springbok flanker Roelof Smit from the bench.
None of the Springboks in the Bulls squad – Lood de Jager, Jesse Kriel, Handre Pollard or Warrick Gelant – will play this weekend but there is game time for Bok Lizo Gqoboka and Jamba Ulengo, while Marnitz Boshoff is also on the bench.
In the team’s other game at Emirates Airline Park on Saturday a much younger team will do battle against the Emirates Lions and will be captained by Boom Prinsloo.
Experienced players in the ranks include Dries Swanepoel, Tony Jantjies, Edgar Marutlulle and John-Roy Jenkinson.
