Tuks Varsity Cup-winning captain Sango Xamlashe to lead record-breaking Bulls side

University of Pretoria Tuks Varsity Cup-winning captain Sango Xamlashe will captain the Blue Bulls side for their crunch clash against Western Province.

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Xamlashe who became the University of Pretoria’s first black captain, will coincidently also make his senior debut for the Bulls, in their opening round Currie Cup fixture. The East London resident has been appointed as skipper for this clash, with his leadership skills having impressed during Tuks’ Varsity Cup triumph.

Xamlashe will captain a Bulls team with 21 debutants

The 23-year old who was a member of the Bulls u21 Rugby Championship-winning side in 2019,will have a mammoth task on his shoulders, leading a Bulls side that breaks its record for the number of senior debutants. Only two of the players in the matchday 23 have seen Currie Cup action ahead of this “North vs South” derby.

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In announcing the squad the Bulls did state that they would be without an incredible 44 players who were not considered for selection either because they were away with the Rainbow Cup side, Springbok selection, SA u20.

Familiar faces around will make his job much easier

Xamlashe’s job will no doubt be made easier by having some familiar faces around him for this encounter. With no less than 11 players in the matchday 23 forming part of the Tuks Varsity Cup side. It will also be helpful for him and the Bulls that he will have his centre partner Louritz van der Schyff alongside in midfield with the Loftus side desperate for some already existing combinations.

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Other Tuks players in the match day squad include props Francios Klopper and Llewelyn, hookers Werner Fourie ans Dewald Donald, lock Adolph Visser, loose forwards Jaco Bezuidenhout and Eduan Lubbe scrumhalf and winger Kabelo Mokoena.

There were further positives for the Bulls faithful though, as Komani-born prop Simphiwe Matanzima is primed for his return to the professional ranks. The mobile loosehead broke into the Bulls Super Rugby side three years ago but has endured a difficult two years filled with injury. The Bulls fans will also get a first look at newly signed tighthead prop Mhleli Dlamini who the union has been working hard on behind the scenes.