logo
Johan Goosen returns as flyhalf for Bulls' semi-final clash against Sharks

Johan Goosen returns as flyhalf for Bulls' semi-final clash against Sharks

IOL News06-06-2025
Bulls flyhalf Johan Goosen is back in the starting lineup for the semi-final agains the Sharks on Saturday in Pretoria
Johan Goosen is back at flyhalf for the Bulls' crucial semi-final against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday evening (6.15 pm kick-off).
Goosen is the only change to the starting side that beat Edinburgh last weekend, with the influential Keagan Johannes dropping to the bench to provide an impact when he is called upon.
It is largely the same team that beat the Scottish club and director of rugby Jake White will look for a complete performance this time around from his troops. They failed to fire in the first half and had to play catch-up rugby against Edinburgh to eventually win the match.
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Sharks load team with Junior Springboks to try and kickstart Currie Cup campaign against Bulls
Sharks load team with Junior Springboks to try and kickstart Currie Cup campaign against Bulls

IOL News

time10 hours ago

  • IOL News

Sharks load team with Junior Springboks to try and kickstart Currie Cup campaign against Bulls

Junior Springbok flyhalf Vusi Moyo has been drafted into the Sharks team for their Currie Cup match against the Bulls. Image: Maurilio Boldrini / World Rugby Goal-kicking ace Vusi Moyo is among six Junior Springboks included in the Sharks XV squad for their Currie Cup visit to the Bulls in Pretoria on Saturday. Moyo, Jaco Williams, Albie Bester, Ceano Everson, Simphiwe Ngobese, and Matt Romao have injected U20 world championship success into the Sharks side that endured a baptism of fire last week at Ellis Park, where they copped 40 points from the Lions. Coach JP Pietersen says the U20 stars, fresh from their triumph in Italy, have picked up the team's intensity in training this week. 'The time is ripe for the youngsters to make the step up into Currie Cup rugby,' said Pietersen. 'Their recent achievements on the world stage will add firepower.' Williams, with his eye for the tryline and pace to match, has been named on the wing, replacing Khuthi Rasivhagam, who moves to the bench, while Ngobese covers prop and flank. Romao will provide back row cover on the bench. Moyo, also on the bench, starred for the Junior Boks with his place-kicking, astute distribution, and physicality. He amassed 63 points across the tournament and was the showpiece's top scorer. Adding top-level experience amongst the forwards are lock Corne Rahl and flanker Tino Mavesere. They replace Gideon Koegelenberg and Mawande Mdanda, respectively. From an experienced point of view, tighthead prop Lee-Marvin Mazibuko is a welcome addition to the side. The 28-year-old former Stormer has returned to South Africa after a season with Racing 92 in France. He starts in Mawande Mdanda's place. Pietersen said that his team's loss to the Lions should be seen in perspective. 'We have a different squad than last year in that we don't have older guys. For example, last week, the player cap total was just over 100 in the whole group of 23. 'It is a tough path to follow, but do we have fight in the group? Yes, we have, and we also have talented players. We need time. All we can do is take it day by day. 'I can say that we have had better training sessions this week. The Baby Boks have slotted in nicely and lifted the intensity. They know what to do. It is exciting to have them.' Former Springbok Pietersen said his job as Currie Cup coach is to develop talent for the United Rugby Championship. 'Our main objective is to blood youngsters. We want to develop players who can be good enough to step up to the URC. 'If we can win the Currie Cup, that would be great, but our main objective is to bring through talent. 'If you look at the Bulls and the Lions, they have a lot of players who played in the URC, players who understand the game. Last week we had eight debutants, and this week the same number. 'Our focus is on us and how we can stay in our system and attack for as long as possible.' Sharks XV — 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Phiko Sobahle, 13 Litelihle Bester, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Bradley Davids (VC), 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Bryce Calvert, 1 Phatu Ganyane. Replacements: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Simphiwe Ngobese, 18 Dian Heunis, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Matt Ramao, 21 Ceano Everson, 22 Vusi Moyo, 23 Albie Bester.

Lions and Sharks in tug-of-war over Junior Springbok star Batho Hlekani
Lions and Sharks in tug-of-war over Junior Springbok star Batho Hlekani

The South African

time11 hours ago

  • The South African

Lions and Sharks in tug-of-war over Junior Springbok star Batho Hlekani

A tug-of-war is brewing between the Sharks and the Lions over the services of world champion Junior Springbok Batho Hlekani, with the Durban franchise intent on keeping their prized loose forward under contract until the end of the year. The 20-year-old Hlekani, who was a standout performer for the Junior Boks at the recent World Rugby U20 Championship in Italy, has been the subject of significant interest following his impressive displays. The hard-running forward played a pivotal role in South Africa's first World Championship win since 2012 and has since earned an invite to the senior Springbok squad for a two-week training camp in Johannesburg. The Lions have made a push to bring Hlekani into their squad sooner rather than later, a move prompted by the season-ending injury of flanker Izan Esterhuizen. Despite Hlekani's recent signing with the Lions, which saw a reversal of the trend of players moving from the Lions to the Sharks, the latter are determined to keep him for the remainder of his contract. Hlekani, who hails from Zwide in the Eastern Cape (the same township as Springbok captain Siya Kolisi), was a key player in the Sharks' Currie Cup triumph last season. His stellar performances earned him a place in the Sharks' squad for the current Currie Cup season, making him an important asset as the team continues to challenge for silverware. Sharks Chief Operating Officer Novashni Chetty issued a clear statement on Thursday regarding Hlekani's contract situation, confirming the player is contracted to the franchise until 31 December. 'Batho is contracted to us until 31 December 2025,' Chetty said, signaling that the Sharks are not willing to release the talented flanker before his contract expires. Despite the Lions' urgency to secure Hlekani, the Sharks remain resolute in keeping him, at least for the remainder of the Currie Cup season. The Lions, seeking to boost their squad with youthful talent, have already made moves to strengthen their ranks with several Junior Boks and up-and-coming players, including Haashim Pead, Ethan Adams, and Sherwin Buys, among others. Hlekani's role in the Junior Boks' World Championship victory was pivotal, especially as he captained the team in their final Pool A match against Scotland. The Sharks have confirmed that Hlekani will not be available for their upcoming Currie Cup fixture (against the Bulls at Loftus Versfeld) as he continues with the Springboks' commitments. Sharks coach JP Pietersen, speaking after his team's heavy 46-5 loss to the Lions in their first-round Currie Cup clash, acknowledged Hlekani's absence. 'Batho won't be available… he will be in the Springbok set-up,' Pietersen said, indicating that the Junior Bok star is likely to join the senior squad once his U20 commitments conclude. The Lions, meanwhile, remain eager to bring Hlekani into their fold as soon as possible. Lions coach Mzwakhe Nkosi has expressed the hope of securing Hlekani's services following his Springbok duties. 'We are trying to get Batho to join ASAP, hopefully after his Springbok commitments,' Nkosi said, emphasising the Lions' need to bolster their squad following Esterhuizen's injury. With both teams now eyeing the talented flanker, it's clear that a battle over Hlekani's future is far from over. The Sharks are committed to honoring their contract with the player, but the Lions are determined to fast-track the acquisition of the Junior Bok star, adding further intrigue to the ongoing Currie Cup competition. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.

Vusi Moyo, Jaco Williams set to ignite Loftus
Vusi Moyo, Jaco Williams set to ignite Loftus

The Citizen

time12 hours ago

  • The Citizen

Vusi Moyo, Jaco Williams set to ignite Loftus

Sharp-shooting Junior Bok Vusi Moyo has been included in the Sharks team, along with some of his other teammates, for their Currie Cup round 2 clash against the Vodacom Bulls in Pretoria. Moyo, Jaco Williams, Albie Bester, Ceano Everson, Simphiwe Ngobese and Matt Romao have all been included in the match-23, following their successes with the Junior Boks in Italy recently. Coach JP Pietersen believes the youngsters will inject some much-needed firepower as they look to ambush the Bulls at Loftus. 'The time is ripe for the youngsters to make the step up into Currie Cup rugby,' said Pietersen. 'Their recent achievements on the world stage will no doubt add firepower.' Williams replaces Khuthi Rasivhaga on the wing and brings try-scoring instincts and blistering pace to the backline. Moyo, who top-scored with 63 points overall at the championships including 13 in the final against New Zealand, is an exciting inclusion on the bench. Known for his goal-kicking and physicality at flyhalf, Moyo's potential debut adds intrigue to Saturday's clash. Hard-running centre Bester and scrumhalf Everson could also possibly feature off the bench. READ: Bulls, Sharks headline big Currie Cup weekend Versatile forward Simphiwe Ngobese will provide cover at prop, while Matt Romao, another standout from the victorious U20 campaign, is named among the loose forward reinforcements on the bench. There are also key changes up front. Corne Rahl returns to the second row, while Tino Mavesere starts at flank. A major boost comes with the inclusion of tighthead prop Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, the former DHL Western Province and Stormers strongman who recently returned from a stint at Racing 92 in France. Sharks XV: 15 Hakeem Kunene, 14 Phiko Sobahle, 13 Litelihle Bester, 12 Janco Purchase, 11 Jaco Williams, 10 Jean Smith, 9 Bradley Davids (VC), 8 Nick Hatton (c), 7 Jannes Potgieter, 6 Tino Mavesere, 5 Deon Slabbert, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Lee-Marvin Mazibuko, 2 Bryce Calvert, 1 Phatu Ganyane Bench: 16 Jacques Marais, 17 Simphiwe Ngobese*, 18 Dian Heunis, 19 Gideon Koegelenberg, 20 Matt Ramao, 21 Ceano Everson*, 22 Simphiwe Moyo*, 23 Albie Bester* The post Moyo, Williams set to ignite Loftus appeared first on SA Rugby magazine. Breaking news at your fingertips… Follow Caxton Network News on Facebook and join our WhatsApp channel. Nuus wat saakmaak. Volg Caxton Netwerk-nuus op Facebook en sluit aan by ons WhatsApp-kanaal.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store