Blue Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer has made 11 changes to the side that held Western Province to a draw last week, for this weekend’s Currie Cup semifinal.
Meyer has assembled his strongest side in search of their third consecutive final.
Winger John Mametsa has been ruled out with an injury, but will be replaced by Keegan Fredericks in the only forced change to the team.
Otherwise, Frikkie Welsh moves back into the outside centre berth in the place of JP Nel. Halfbacks Fourie du Preez and Derick Hougaard replace Norman Jordaan and Morne Steyn respectively.
Anton Leonard is back at eighth man in the place of Pedrie Wannenburg, who moves to the bench. Leonard also takes over the captaincy role from midfielder Ettienne Botha.
Warren Brosnihan and Jacques Cronje replace Piet Krause and Ruan Vermeulen to complete the loose-forward shuffle, and Victor Matfield is back to partner Bakkies Botha in the place of Geo Cronje.
The front row has also changed, with Richard Bands, Gary Botha and Kees Lensing replacing Andries Human, Danie Coetzee and Wessel Roux respectively. — Sapa
Team: Johan Roets, Gavin Passens, Frikkie Welsh, Ettienne Botha, Keegan Fredericks, Derick Hougaard, Fourie du Preez, Anton Leonard (captain), Warren Bosnihan, Jacques Cronje, Victor Matfield, Bakkies Botha, Richard Bands, Gary Botha, Kees Lensing.
Reserves: Danie Coetzee, Wessel Roux, Danie Rossouw, Pedrie Wannenburg, Norman Jordaan, Morne Steyn, JP Nel.