Bulls director of rugby Jake White has slightly adjusted his match-day squad as they prepare to face the Stormers in a PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA clash at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Headlining the changes is the return of Springbok No 8 and Bulls captain Duane Vermeulen, who has been sidelined recently with a knee ailment.
Vermeulen takes the captain's armband from fellow Springbok Nizaam Carr, who drops down to the bench.
The backline has been adjusted slightly, with David Kriel starting at fullback in place of James Verity-Amm and Morne Steyn replacing Chris Smith at flyhalf.
The only other change up front sees Walt Steenkamp starting in the No 4 jumper and Janko Swanepoel shifting to the bench.
"Last week certainly proved how vital it is that we continue getting as much competitive rugby under our belts," said White. "The players need little motivation for another brutal north-south derby and we are definitely up for the challenge against a solid Stormers outfit."
Kick-off is scheduled for 18:15 on Saturday.
?? TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT ??
— Official Blue Bulls (@BlueBullsRugby) May 6, 2021
Here is your match-day 23 to take on the DHL Stormers on Saturday ?? Welcome back captain Duane Vermeulen ??
Comment with your score predictions below ??#TrueToTheBlue pic.twitter.com/Gcc3yum1Up
Teams:
Stormers
TBA
Bulls
15 David Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Substitutes (from): 16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Jacques van Rooyen, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Chris Smith, 23 James Verity-Amm