Bulls captain Anton Leonard returns from injury to lead his side out against the defending Super 12 champions, the ACT Brumbies, at Bruce Stadium in Canberra, Australia, on Friday.
Leonard, who missed the first game because of injury, has made a miraculous recovery and will start in his traditional eighth-man position.
There are also first caps for winger Trompie Nontshinga, who was drafted to the side from the Free State, and lock Francois van Schouwenburg.
Nontshinga replaces Ricardo Loubscher at right wing while Van Schouwenburg will take over from Victor Matfield, who is in London for the International Rugby Board’s tsunami benefit match.
Bulls coach Heynecke Meyer said it is important to give Nontshinga a chance at the highest level.
”Although he has not even played provincial rugby yet, I am very impressed with him. He has a bright future. He has great pace and an excellent swerve. With his talent, all he needs is experience and confidence.
”This week, we have a very young backline and the combined caps of all our backs are less than the individual caps for most of the Brumbies’ backs, so we are well aware of the lack of experience,” Meyer continued. ”Our backline is very exciting, though, and with the necessary experience could grow into one of the best.”
Bakkies Botha has been rested, with Danie Rossouw partnering Van Schouwenburg in the engine room. The other change sees Wessel Roux come in for Kees Lensing at loosehead.
Meyer said Jacques Cronje has been given the opportunity to prove his fitness on Thursday, and if he cannot compete, Warren Brosnihan will take his place.
”The changes in the forwards are purely a rotational measure,” explained Meyer. ”Most of the players are still very jet-lagged and no one is sleeping very well. We will take the field with fresh players like Danie Rossouw and Francois van Schouwenburg, who only played about a half each against the Cats. Wessel and Anton will be completely fresh.
”We are well aware of the huge challenge that lies ahead. As I recall, no South African side has been able to beat the Brumbies at home, but we are focused and the spirits in the camp are high. A big game lies ahead and we will rise to the challenge.
”Pierre Spies is also looking good and completed all the training sessions this week. It was decided to give him another week’s rest to be at his best in the coming weeks.” — Sapa
Bulls: Johan Roets, Trompie Nontshinga, JP Nel, Ettienne Botha, Bryan Habana, Derick Hougaard, Fourie du Preez; Anton Leonard (captain), Pedrie Wannenburg, Jacques Cronjé, Francois van Schouwenburg, Danie Rossouw, Richard Bands, Gary Botha, Wessel Roux.
Replacements: Danie Coetzee, Andries Human, Bakkies Botha, Warren Brosnihan, Heinie Adams, Kennedy Tsimba, Ricardo Loubscher.