{
  "id": 14700827,
  "title": "Giliomee earns first start as Bulls ring the changes for Stade Francais",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/giliomee-earns-first-start-as-bulls-ring-the-changes-for-stade",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-10-15T13:15:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/sport/rugby/urc/2026-10-15-giliomee-earns-first-start-as-bulls-ring-the-changes-for-stade-francais/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "The Bulls handed youngster Luan Giliomee a starting debut at fullback for Saturday’s Champions Cup opener against Stade Français.",
  "key_points": [
    "Johan Ackermann starts Luan Giliomee for Stade Français match",
    "Willie le Roux dropped to bench, Handré Pollard returns at flyhalf",
    "New front row includes Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Khutha Mchunu"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Citizen",
        "title": "Giliomee starts at fullback for Bulls’ Champions Cup clash with Stade Francais",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/15/giliomee-starts-at-fullback-for-bulls-champions-cup-clash-with-stade",
        "published": "2026-10-15T11:36:49.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}