'World-class' Goosen returns from injury: Bulls name flyhalf to face Griffons in Welkom

Johan Goosen and Nizaam Carr are welcome returnees to the Bulls' Currie Cup team named by coach Edgar Marutlulle to face the Griffons on Friday.

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Flyhalf Goosen was sidelined due to shoulder surgery, while flanker Carr had a hamstring niggle. The pair are the only two changes made to the starting XV that did duty against the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein a week ago.

Carr will line up alongside Phumzile Maqondwana and Muller Uys in the back row in an otherwise unchanged forwards pack that includes captain Lizo Gqoboka, Jan Hendrik Wessels, Robert Hunt, Jacques Du Plessis and Reinhardt Ludwig. 

Goosen will join Keagan Johannes to combine as the two halfbacks in Welkom, while Lionel Mapoe and Wandisile Simelane wear the No 12 and 13 jumpers, with Kabelo Mokoena and Quewin Nortje the wings and Franco Knoetze at fullback.

Marutlulle said that having Johan and Carr return was a welcomed boost for the team that is without a win after three rounds in the Currie Cup having been beaten by holders the Pumas, Western Province and the Cheetahs.

"If anyone offers you Goosen for your Currie Cup game, you take him at the blink of an eye," said Marutulle.

"He is a world-class player who has travelled the world, represented the Springboks, and played really amazing rugby in his career, and so we are excited to have him with us for the Currie Cup."

On Caar moving between blind-side, open-side and eighth man, the Currie Cup mentor said: "We know Nizaam can play all around [6, 7, 8]. He has enough adequate skills that bring us the all-important balance that we need in that back row. Supported by the likes of Phumzile, who has done well in the