Willie Le Roux: Springboks Veteran Named in Squad to Face All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld

• The Bulls have named their squad for the All Blacks clash at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday, 15 August, with kickoff set for 19:00
• Springbok veteran Willie le Roux features alongside returning flyhalf Curwin Bosch, who has been absent from South African rugby for two years
• The Bulls are chasing only their second-ever victory over the All Blacks, with their sole win coming nearly 50 years ago

The Bulls have confirmed their 23-man squad for Saturday's highly anticipated clash against the All Blacks at Loftus Versfeld, with a blend of Springbok veterans, returning professionals and Currie Cup standouts named for the 19:00 kickoff on 15 August.

Marcell Coetzee will captain the side, which includes four players with Springbok caps. Chief among them is utility back Willie le Roux, whose international experience is expected to be a significant asset as the Bulls take on one of rugby's most formidable touring sides.

**Bosch and Liebenberg Return to South African Rugby**

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Flyhalf Curwin Bosch reclaims his starting berth after two seasons in France, partnering scrumhalf Embrose Papier in the halfback pairing. The two, along with loose forward Jeandre Rudolph, were central to the Bulls' United Rugby Championship campaign and will be tasked with generating the attacking tempo required to trouble an All Blacks defence renowned for its aggressive line speed.

Hanro Liebenberg also returns to South African rugby following a stint with Leicester Tigers in the English Premiership, strengthening the loose-forward unit and adding further depth to coach Johan Ackermann's options.

In the backline, Stedman Gans and Harold Voster form the centre partnership, with Stravino Jacobs occupying the left wing.

Bench options include Kunene and Abrahams

Among the replacements, Hakeem Kunene has earned his place after a promising Currie Cup run with the Bulls, giving the youngster a rare opportunity to measure himself against world-class opposition.

Thaakir Abrahams, the former Sharks and Munster wing, also features among the replacements and offers a potent aerial and finishing threat should the Bulls need a spark late in the contest.

The full starting XV reads: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Thaakir Abrahams, 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Harold Voster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Curwin Bosch, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Hanro Liebenberg, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Juann Else, 1 Alu Tshakweni.

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History favours New Zealand

The two sides have met on four occasions since 1949, with New Zealand winning three. The Bulls' only victory in the fixture dates to August 1976, when Northern Transvaal edged the touring All Blacks 29-27 in a contest the Pretoria faithful still recall fondly.

Saturday's match falls almost exactly 50 years after that result, giving the current Bulls squad a compelling opportunity to mark the anniversary with a similarly historic performance.

Erasmus names 4 players who impressed vs Wales

Briefly News also reported that Rassie Erasmus hailed four players who impressed in the Springboks' win over Wales in Durban on Saturday, July 18, 2026.

Wing Jaco Williams crossed for a try and contributed to another, while prop Carlu Sadie impressed in the scrums and lock Ruben van Heerden was dominant at lineout time.

Source: Briefly News