The hard working Springbok flanker Wikus van Heerden will captain the Vodacom Blue Bulls in their first match of their 2008 Currie Cup campaign against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
www.bluebull.co.za
Van Heerden, who has played in 86 matches between 2001 and 2006 for the Lions, and has already represented the Bulls and Blue Bulls on 27 occasions, will play in a formidable loose trio alongside Pedrie Wannenburg and the talented Deon Stegmann.
Francois Van Schouwenburg adds the necessary beef in the second row at the side of Wilhelm Steenkamp, while the former SA under 21 tighthead Werner Kruger will get an opportunity to show his worth against the Lions’ Heinke van der Merwe.
With Fourie du Preez, Heini Adams and Francois Hougaard not eligible for the match JP Joubert, who was awe-inspiring in the Vodacom Cup, will play in the number 9-jersey.
Joubert will form a halfback pairing with Morné Steyn, while Wynand Olivier will play beside Marius Delport in the midfield.
John Mametsa, who was the leading try scorer in last year’s Currie Cup, will play left wing with the Springbok Akona Ndungane doing duty in the number 14-jersey.
Vodacom Blue Bulls:
Tiger Mangweni; Akona Ndungane, Marius Delport, Wynand Olivier, John Mametsa; Morné Steyn, JP Joubert; Pedrie Wannenburg, Wikus van Heerden (captain), Deon Stegmann, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Francois van Schouwenburg, Werner Kruger, Derick Kuün, Jaco Engels. Reserves: Bandise Maku, Rayno Gerber, Fudge Mabeta, Hilton Lobberts, Ruan Snyman, Burton Francis, Dewald Potgieter.

Not a bad side, actually
Joubert and Delport are the only obvious weak links
How long is Kirchner out for?
@Villie (Comment 3) : 2 weeks. Should be back in time to face us, along with Hougaard
Where did Fudge get his nickname from? Don’t tell me he grew up in Cape Town? 😆 😈
Wickus should be playing six for the Boks this weekend…
@Villie (Comment 5) : off-side! 😈