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Selection poser for Bulls U-21s

THE Blue Bulls Under-21 selectors, who were uncertain whether openside flanker Marnus Schoeman will be allowed to play against Western Province this weekend, still have to announce their final team for tomorrow's match against Western Province at Newlands.

THE Blue Bulls Under-21 selectors, who were uncertain whether openside flanker Marnus Schoeman will be allowed to play against Western Province this weekend, still have to announce their final team for tomorrow's match against Western Province at Newlands.

Schoeman was found guilty of dangerous play in last weekend's match against the Lions, but the sanction of his hearing was not yet available when the team was selected on Wednesday and there were therefore question marks over his availability for tomorrow's clash.

SA Rugby has since advised that Schoeman has been suspended from all rugby for one week, which rules him out of the Newlands match. Devin Oosthuizen was initially bracketed with Schoeman for the match and unless it is decided that Schoeman is to appeal against the suspension, which is highly unlikely, coach Nico Serfontein will use Oosthuizen at flank with Willem Serfontein packing down in the second row. Other changes in the starting XV see Tom Seabela replacing the injured Aubrey McDonald and Danie Faasen swapping places at scrumhalf with Ignick Windvogel.

Windvogel had to leave the field on a stretcher owing to a heavy blow to his neck on Saturday. He will be used as an impact player at Newlands. Serfontein also decided to start with Morné Mellet as his loosehead prop with Peet Vorster, who is able to play tighthead as well as loosehead, dropping to the bench.

The Bulls top the log after winning six of their first seven matches while Western Province are third.

The team, pending Schoeman's decision about an appeal, is: Marnitz Boshoff, Wynand Willis, Stephan Dippenaar, Simphiwe Mtimkulu, Tom Seabela, Louis Boshoff, Danie Faasen, Gerrit-Jan van Velze (capt), Jaco Fourie, Marnus Schoeman/Devin Oosthuizen, Cornell Hess, Devin Oosthuizen/Willem Serfontein, Rossouw de Klerk, Henri Bantjes, Morné Mellet. - Sapa

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