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Bulls stick to winning format

Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke. Picture Credit: Gallo Images
Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke. Picture Credit: Gallo Images

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

That is exactly how Blue Bulls coach Frans Ludeke sees it as they head into battle against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein tomorrow afternoon.

Kickoff is at 5.05pm.

After his team's win over the Sharks last week that ended their winless streak in the competition, Ludeke has stuck with the same starting XV that looked impressive in the 43-35 win.

"The good result and the fact that there are no injuries have resulted in us sticking to the same selection," the coach said yesterday.

The only change in the match day 23 squad for the Bulls is on the bench where scrumhalf Piet van Zyl, a former Cheetahs player, replaces Travis Ismaiel.

Ludeke explained: "When we had the ball in hand a lot last week, we wore them [Sharks] down.

"So it will be crucial to have Piet as backup, we need him to make that impact and keep the team freshened up."

Some would have thought the likes of Akona Ndungane and Arno Botha, who have recovered from injuries, would make their return against Naka Drotske's Free State side.

"When you have a team that's winning, you do not want to change a lot.

"There is still our rotation system and injuries can happen at any time," Ludeke said.

The Bulls will go into the clash against the Cheetahs side, which remains unbeaten after two matches, with three former Free Staters in their arsenal.

Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss and Lappies Labuschagne have been vital cogs in the Cheetahs side over the past few years.

Now they will be up against their former team.

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