What time and TV channel is Ulster v Bulls on today in URC? Team news, betting, league standings and verdict
"This will be the strongest team we have fielded in four years," says Bulls boss Jake White
Vodacom Bulls host Ulster in round three of the United Rugby Championship today in Pretoria.
The Bulls, who have played just one game to date, are 10th on four points; Ulster, who have played two games, are ninth on five points
Johan Grobbelaar and David Kriel will make their 50th appearance for the Vodacom Bulls; Ulster Academy lock Charlie Irvine to make his debut, alongside first Ulster starts for centre Ben Carson and hooker James McCormick
READ MORE: A deep dive into the Ulster Rugby debutants as they face the Bulls
READ MORE: What time and TV channel is Scarlets v Connacht on today in the URC?
BETTING: Bulls 1/14 Draw 45/1 Ulster 9/1 - Handicap Bulls - 19
HURT ULSTER HAVE TO DO BETTER WEEK: "We have to move on and learn from these experiences," says Ulster coach Richie Murphy.
"We had a lot of young players out there, especially in that second half with James McCormick and James McNabney coming on and doing well. We have to learn fast because when you're playing at places like this any mistake you might make will get punished.
IN FORM AT ULSTER: Out-half Aidan Morgan who, last weekend, made it two tries in his opening two appearances for the province.
WHAT THE BULLS ARE SAYING: "This will be the strongest team we have fielded in four years from an experience point of view, and an achievement point of view," says Director of Rugby Jake White. "We have Springboks in key positions and even on the bench.
"We all know that just because you have a strong team does not make anything automatic but it is exciting to see that our four years are coming together now. We have a front row and a backline of Springboks.
"There is still a job to be done, this is a big game against Ulster, who have also managed not to roll over because they are a good team. They may not have got the results but they have toured South Africa very well in the past and I expect it to be a tough game.”
ADDED DEGREE OF DIFFICULTY: The Loftus Versfeld, capacity 51,700, is 1,350m above sea-level.
DO THE SOUTH AFRICAN PLAYERS LIKE PLAYING AT ALTITUDE? They love it! There is a sign as the players leave the tunnel from the dressing room to the pitch that reads: "Altitude. 1350m. It matters'.
WHAT TV CHANNEL WILL THE MATCH BE ON? Live on: SuperSport, Premier Sports, Flo Rugby & URC.tv
TIME: 3pm Irish
LAST WEEK: Bulls 22-16 Edinburgh - Lions 35-22 Ulster
TEAMS AND SUBS:
Vodacom Bulls: Willie le Roux; Sebastian de Klerk, Canan Moodie, David Kriel, Kurt-Lee Arendse; Boeta Chamberlain, Embrose Papier; Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar, Wilco Louw, Cobus Wiese, Ruan Nortje (CAPT), Marco van Staden, Elrigh Louw, Cameron Hanekom
Replacements: Akker van der Merwe, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Francois Klopper, Sintu Manjezi, Celimpilo Gumede, Keagan Johannes, Stedman Gans, Aphiwe Dyantyi
Ulster: Mike Lowry; Werner Kok, Stewart Moore, Ben Carson, Jacob Stockdale; Aidan Morgan, Nathan Doak; Andrew Warwick, James McCormick, Corrie Barrett, Iain Henderson (CAPT), Charlie Irvine, James McNabney, Sean Reffell, David McCann
Replacements: Tadgh McElroy, Eric O’Sullivan, Tom O’Toole, Alan O’Connor, Nick Timoney, Dave Shanahan, James Humphreys, Ben Moxham
REFEREE: Ben Whitehouse (WRU, 101st league game); AR 1: JD Jadezweni (SARU) AR 2: Dylan November (SARU); TMO: Ben Breakspear (WRU)
VERDICT: The Bulls have front-line Springboks all over the park while those that stand as current internationals in the Ulster side number Iain Henderson and the pre-injury Jacob Stockdale.
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