The Vodacom Bulls kick off their Investec Champions Cup campaign this afternoon at Loftus Versfeld, hosting French powerhouse Stade Français Paris in a high-stakes Round 1 clash.
Kick-off is set for 14:00 (SA time).
Key Match Preview & Form Guide
- Bulls’ Momentum: The Pretorians head into European action brimming with confidence off the back of a commanding 57-15 victory over the Lions in the URC. Seeking to improve on last season’s Round of 16 exit, head coach Johan Ackermann has named a fresh-looking lineup featuring a blend of Springbok experience and exciting young talent.
- Pollard & Debutant Lead the Changes: Springbok World Cup winner Handré Pollard makes his return at flyhalf, pairing with Paul de Wet. Elrigh Louw assumes the captaincy, while 19-year-old prospect Luan Giliomee makes his Bulls debut at fullback. An entirely new front row of Alu Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, and Khutha Mchunu steps up to start.
- The French Threat: Stade Français arrive in South Africa boasting solid domestic form in the Top 14, coming off a 30-22 victory over Montpellier. However, their away record remains a key vulnerability, and they will be eager to avenge their heavy 48-7 defeat on their last visit to Loftus Versfeld in the 2024/25 season.
Match Information & Lineups
- Date: Saturday, 17 October 2026
- Venue: Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
- Kick-off: 14:00 SA Time
- Referee: Christophe Ridley
- TV Broadcast: SuperSport
Vodacom Bulls Lineup:
15 Luan Giliomee, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Sango Xamlashe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Cheswill Jooste, 10 Handré Pollard, 9 Paul de Wet, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw (c), 6 Marco van Staden, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Khutha Mchunu, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Alu Tshakweni.
Replacements: 16 Johan Grobbelaar, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Jaco Grobbelaar, 20 Jeandré Rudolph, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Stravino Jacobs, 23 Willie le Roux.
