Vodacom Blue Bulls ready for very tough assignment
30 July 2010 (14:28)
 Regular fixtures in the Absa Currie Cup are tough enough encounters and two teams desperate for a win probably do not need the added pressure of a local derby, but that is exactly the way Saturday’s match between the Vodacom Blue Bulls and Lions will go.
Both teams are looking for a second win in their fourth fixture of the season and a top four spot at that when they meet at Coca Cola Park at 17h05 tomorrow.
Vodacom Bulls captain, Gary Botha, admitted that the derby will bring extra pressure to their effort, but added that his team will front up.
“We playing the Lions usually are a high pressured affair and the fact that we both need to get back to winning matches, just add to that. The challenge will be to turn that pressure into a positive thing for us. We need to feed off that energy and make sure we create chances and then use them,” Botha said.
The World Cup winning Bok feels that the return of four Springboks to his side will add some punch to their effort.
“Those guys are all hungry and committed to the Blue Bulls cause. I know they will add immense value.”
The Lions are at home for the first time and can be expected to start very strongly. Coach John Mitchell decided on SA junior player, Elton Jantjies, as his pivot for the match in an attempt to spice up their attacking options.
It will be a huge task for the talented youngster, but with Doppies La Grange also returning after injury, the home side will have some solidity in the midfield.
The teams are:
Vodacom Blue Bulls: Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Gerhard van den Heever, Stephan Dippenaar, Stefan Watermeyer, John Mametsa, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Francois Hougaard, Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Dewald Potgieter, Derick Kuün, Juandré Kruger, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Gary Botha (c), Jaco Engels. Replacements: Chiliboy Ralepelle, Bees Roux, Fudge Mabeta, CJ Stander, Ruan Snyman, Francois Brummer, Hayden Groepes.
Lions: Jaco Taute, Deon van Rensburg, Waylon Murray, Doppies la Grange, Michael Killian, Elton Jantjies, Jano Vermaak, Warren Whiteley, Trevor Hall, Derick Minnie, Franco van der Merwe (c), George Earle, Kevin Buys, Martin Bezuidenhout, JC Janse van Rensburg. Replacements: Edgar Marutlulle, Ross Geldenhuys, David Bulbring, Jaco Kriel, Chris Jonck, Carlos Spencer, Marius Delport.
Referee: Marius Jonker
Assistant referees: François Groenewald, Reuben Rossouw
Assessor: Johann Meuwesen
Television match official: Dennis Immelman
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