15 Springboks included in battling Bulls’ touring squad as World Cup-winning duo bolster Johan Ackermann’s stocks

Johan Ackermann has named a 30-man Bulls squad for the club’s final Investec Champions Cup pool match against French club Section Paloise, as well as the United Rugby Championship fixture against Edinburgh.

The Pretoria-based side have suffered seven straight defeats in all competitions and will hope to finally end that streak against Pau, who beat Scarlets in round three.

15 Springboks included

There is still one knockout place left up for grabs in Pool 4 with Union Bordeaux Begles, Bristol Bears and Northampton Saints already sealing their route to the last-16.

That leaves the Bulls, Pau and Scarlets battling it out for the last qualifying team from the pool.

For the trip to southwestern France, Ackermann has included 15 Springboks in his touring squad, which has been bolstered by the return of World Cup winners Kurt-Lee Arendse and Canan Moodie.

The pair have both been sidelined recently due to concussion protocols, but could mark their returns against the club ranked second on the Top 14 log.

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19-year-old Junior Springboks star Cheswill Jooste, who trained with Rassie Erasmus’ men last year, has also been included in the touring party and is available for both fixtures, the Bulls confirm.

Ruan Vermaak and Reinhardt Ludwig will provide cover at lock, while Keagan Johannes will back up Handre Pollard in the number 10 jersey.

One-capp Springbok Cameron Hanekom is still not available for selection, while loosehead prop Gerhard Steenekamp misses out due to injury, after breaking his thumb against Bristol Bears.

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Bulls’ touring squad

Forwards: Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Alulutho Tshakweni, Sti Sithole, Johan Grobbelaar, Akker van der Merwe, Wilco Louw, Mornay Smith, Francois Klopper, Cobus Wiese, Ruan Vermaak, Ruan Nortje, Reinhardt Ludwig, Marco van Staden, Marcell Coetzee, Elrigh Louw, Mpilo Gumede, Jeandre Rudolph, Nizaam Carr

Backs: Embrose Papier, Zak Burger, Handre Pollard, Keagan Johannes, Kurt-Lee Arendse, Stravino Jacobs, Harold Vorster, David Kriel, Canan Moodie, Stedman Gans, Sebastian de Klerk, Cheswill Jooste, Willie le Roux, Devon William

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