{
  "id": 11220699,
  "title": "Bulls turn to new-look backline for Munster clash in Limerick",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/01/bulls-turn-to-new-look-backline-for-munster-clash-in-limerick",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-01T15:25:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/rugby/urc/2026-10-01-bulls-turn-to-new-look-backline-for-munster-clash-in-limerick/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Bulls have restructured their backline and bench for Saturday’s United Rugby Championship match against Munster in Limerick. The team's alterations come after a triumphant start to their northern-hemisphere tour, which saw them defeat Zebre Parma. However, the Bulls’ preparations have been hampered by the ankle injury sustained by tighthead prop Mornay Smith, forcing him to return to South Africa. In Smith’s absence, Khutha Mchunu and Sti Sithole have been added to the match-day squad. Head coach Johan Ackermann has also made several backline changes, starting Hakeem Kunene at fullback, Thaakir Abrahams on the left wing, Stravino Jacobs as inside centre, Harold Vorster dropping out of the match-day 23, and Stedman Gans moving to outside centre alongside Jacobs. Zak Burger replaces Paul de Wet at scrumhalf and forms the halfback pairing with Curwin Bosch. The Bulls' forward pack remains unchanged, with Marcell Coetzee leading the team alongside Hanro Liebenberg and Jeandre Rudolph in the back row.",
  "summary": "The Bulls have made several changes to their backline and bench for Saturday’s URC clash with Munster at Thomond Park.",
  "key_points": [
    "Bulls restructure backline and bench for Munster clash",
    "Khutha Mchunu and Sti Sithole added to match-day squad",
    "Johan Ackermann makes several backline changes"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}