Hooker Kuün back in the Bulls' kraal
Tue, 26 Aug 2008 16:24
Derick Kuün has been selected at hooker ahead of Springbok Chiliboy Ralepelle and Bandise Maku for the Blue Bulls in Friday's Currie Cup match against Western Province at Loftus Versfeld.
Coach Frans Ludeke said at the weekly press conference at Loftus on Tuesday that Kuün, who could not play against the Lions or the Griquas, is the Bulls' first-choice hooker who did a great job for them in the Super 14.
"It was a tough call to make between Derick, Chiliboy and Bandise, but Derick is our first-choice hooker and since he has recovered from his hamstring injury he is back in the starting XV with Bandise on the bench.
"Chiliboy will definitely stay in our system and he will be involved in our next match, but he has identified a few aspects of his game that he would like to work on.
"We all know he is not yet at his absolute best after his long lay-off but he is prepared to put in the hard yards in order to maximise his full potential."
Kuün is the only change among the pack of forwards who did a great job against the Griquas and amongst the backs the fit-again World Cup Springbok Akona Ndungane comes in to replace Rocco Jansen.
Ndungane could not play against the Griquas because of a hip injury but he has made a full recovery and will play in a back three with John Mametsa and Tiger Mangweni.
Wayne Julies will again partner Wynand Olivier in die midfield, while Francois Hougaard will start in the No.9 jersey with Heini Adams on the bench.
Due to the injury of Francois van Schouwenburg and the unavailability of Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha and Danie Rossouw, coach Ludeke did not include a specialist lock on the bench. He says he has no doubt Pedrie Wannenburg can play in the second row if needed.
"Pedrie has played at lock in the past and provides adequate back-up for us. We know we are a bit thin at lock, but it will be a great test for our depth.
"Wilhelm Steenkamp played in all 13 our Super 14 matches and Juandré Kruger was full of promise against the Griquas. I have a lot of confidence in both of them and they know they have a huge role to play in Friday's game."
Blue Bulls: 15 Tiger Mangweni, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Wynand Olivier, 12 Wayne Julies, 11 John Mametsa, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pedrie Wannenburg, 7 Wikus van Heerden (captain), 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 4 Juandré Kruger, 3 Rayno Gerber, 2 Derick Kuün, 1 Gurthrö Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Dewald Potgieter, 19 Jacques Burger, 20 Heini Adams, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Marius Delport.
Date: Friday, August 29
Venue: Loftus Versfeld
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Mark Lawrence
Touch judges: Willie Roos,
Cobus Wessels
Television match official: Johann Meuwesen
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