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

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.

This time around, they know they must strike from the first whistle without giving the Sharks any chance from the kick-off.

Goosen has big boots to fill; although he is an experienced campaigner, Johannes performed excellently in the absence or the former Springbok. Now, the pressure will be on Goosen to deliver for his side as they look to make it to a consecutive URC final.

They will know at kick-off if they can still get a home final with Leinster and Glasgow playing in the first knockout of the day on Saturday.

Bulls XV: 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sebastian de Klerk, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Ruan Nortjé, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels.

Bench: 16. Akker van der Merwe, 17. Simphiwe Matanzima, 18. Mornay Smith, 19. Jannes Kirsten, 20. Marco van Staden, 21. Zak Burger, 22. Keagan Johannes, 23. Devon Williams