Du Plessis returns for Blue Bulls

Editor

Blue Bulls coach Nollis Marais has named Jacques du Plessis at lock for Friday's Currie Cup semi-final match against Western Province at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

Du Plessis was a late withdrawal to the team that edged out the Pumas, 25-24, in Nelspruit last weekend, but is ready to take his regular number four spot in the team.

RG Snyman, who replaced du Plessis for the Pumas match, moves back to the bench for his regular role as an impact player, but his replacement in Nelspruit, Jason Jenkins, retains his spot on the bench.

Jenkins will take over from Ruan Steenkamp as the fourth loose forward as Marais opted for more bulk and size coming from the bench.

Blue Bulls: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Dries Swanepoel, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Jamba Ulengo, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Lappies Labuschagne (c), 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Jacques du Plessis, 3 Marcel van der Merwe, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 Pierre Schoeman. 
Replacements: 16 Corniel Els, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 RG Snyman, 19 Jason Jenkins, 20 Ivan van Zyl, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 William Small-Smith.

Date: Friday, October 16
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 19:10 local (17:10 GMT)
Referee: Pro Legoete