Giliomee earns first start as Bulls ring the changes for Stade Francais

In a significant shake-up, Bulls coach Johan Ackermann has thrust former Sharks star Luan Giliomee into the starting lineup for Saturday's Champions Cup match against Stade Français in Pretoria. The 20-year-old, who has only been with the Bulls for a week, has impressed at the Sharks and earned his place in the starting XV. Coach Ackermann has significantly altered the team that defeated the Lions 57-15 last week, with veteran Springbok Willie le Roux being dropped to the bench.

Notable changes include Handré Pollard returning at flyhalf, Elrigh Louw taking over the captaincy, and the introduction of a new front row featuring Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Khutha Mchunu. Cobus Wiese and JF van Heerden form the second row, while Ruan Vermaak is omitted from the match-day squad. The loose forwards have also been reconfigured, with Marco van Staden and Louw starting alongside Hanro Liebenberg's departure and Jeandre Rudolph joining the bench.

Further modifications are seen behind the scrum, including Cheswill Jooste and Sango Xamlashe replacing Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, and Francois Klopper. Hanro Liebenberg and Jeandre Rudolph are among the replacements on the bench.