Bulls load up on Springbok firepower as Ruan Nortje returns for Benetton clash

The most notable change up front is a complete rotation of the starting props. Gerhard Steenekamp and Johan Grobbelaar move from the bench to the starting lineup, with Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Marco van Staden providing cover as finishers this week.

In the second row, the leadership group receives a massive boost as Ruan Nortje returns to partner Cobus Wiese, shifting Ruan Vermaak to the bench. The back row also sees a physical upgrade with Elrigh Louw slotting in at flank, with Jeandre Rudolph replacing Marcell Coetzee, laid low by illness.

In the halfbacks, the Bulls have opted for the established pairing of Embrose Papier and Handre Pollard to direct play from the start, moving Paul de Wet to the replacement bench. While the midfield remains stable with the partnership of Harold Vorster and Canan Moodie, there is an adjustment in the back three. Kurt-Lee Arendse failed a late fitness test and will be replaced by Devon Williams, who shifts to the right wing to accommodate Sergeal Petersen on the left, while the veteran Willie le Roux continues to anchor the side from fullback.

The bench sees the inclusion of Devon Williams as the primary utility back cover at number 23, replacing injured Cheswill Jooste from last week's roster. With the likes of Marco van Staden, Vermaak, and Stedman Gans waiting in the wings.

Bulls - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Devon Williams, 13 Canan Moodie, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sergeal Peterson, 10 Handre Pollard, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Jeandre Rudolph, 5 Ruan Nortje (c), 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: 16 Marco van Staden, 17 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Ruan Vermaak, 20 Mpilo Gumede, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Stedman Gans, 23 Stravino Jacobs.

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