Ex-Leicester Tigers star to make Bulls return against All Blacks this weekend

Thursday, 13 August 2026 at 08:10

byTom Sansom

The Vodacom Bulls have named a formidable side to host the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, with Springbok experience, returning stars and emerging Currie Cup talent all combining.

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Captain Marcell Coetzee leads a match-day squad featuring four capped Springboks, while Willie le Roux brings a wealth of international experience to the back three.

There is also a welcome return for loose forward Hanro Liebenberg, who is back in South Africa following a productive stint with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership.

Much of the attention, however, will centre on flyhalf Curwin Bosch, who returns to the starting XV after two years playing in France. Long regarded as one of South Africa's most naturally gifted attacking flyhalves, Bosch will be tasked with unlocking an All Blacks defence renowned for its aggressive line speed.

He will link up with scrumhalf Embrose Papier, while loose forward Jeandre Rudolph will be another key figure as the Bulls look to play with tempo and ambition against the touring New Zealand side.

There is also plenty of intrigue on the bench, with Currie Cup standout Hakeem Kunene included among the replacements. Thaakir Abrahams, the former Sharks and Munster wing, provides another explosive attacking option.

Bulls chasing history against All Blacks

History is firmly on the All Blacks' side heading into Saturday's encounter. New Zealand have won three of the four previous meetings between the sides, with the Bulls' sole victory coming back in 1976.

Northern Transvaal famously defeated the All Blacks 29-27 in August 1976, with Saturday's meeting coming almost exactly 50 years after that memorable result. The current Bulls side will therefore have an opportunity to create a piece of history of its own when the All Blacks arrive at Loftus Versfeld.

With Springbok experience throughout the squad, Bosch back in the starting side and a number of promising players pushing their claims, Johan Ackermann's team will believe they have the ingredients to produce a major upset.