Bulls team: New signing debuts as Johan Ackermann makes sweeping changes featuring 10 Springboks
The Bulls rugby team has announced significant lineup changes for their Investec Champions Cup opener against Stade Français. Head coach Johan Ackermann has included 10 Springboks and handed a debut to 19-year-old full-back Luan Giliomee.
Why it matters
This match marks a critical start to the Champions Cup campaign for the Bulls, showcasing a mix of veteran international talent and emerging young players.
Luan Giliomee will make his Bulls debut in the team's Investec Champions Cup opener against Stade Français.
Bulls head coach Johan Ackermann has made sweeping changes to his matchday 23 for the Investec Champions Cup opener against Stade Français at Loftus Versfeld.
While Ackermann has selected six Springboks in his starting lineup and a further four on the bench, the headline selection is that of Junior Bok Luan Giliomee at full-back.
The 19-year-old makes his debut for the Pretoria club after making the in-season switch from the Durban Sharks, where he enjoyed a blistering start to the 2026/27 campaign.
Giliomee joins fellow junior Bok Cheswill Jooste, who earns his first start of the season, in the back three, with Sebastian de Klerk named on the right wing. Harold Vorster and Sango Xamlashe combine in the centres while Ackermann has shaken things up in the halfbacks too.
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