Captain Johan Grobbelaar relishing URC tour north with Bulls' Boks

Among the 13 Springboks in the touring squad is double World Cup winner Pollard, who makes his return to the Pretoria franchise after three seasons with the Leinster Tigers.

Grobbelaar can't wait to see what he brings with the Bulls jersey on his back.

"He's one of the best flyhalves in the world, with heaps of experience," the hooker told the press this week.

"He's been at the Bulls before, so he's not new to the environment. It's great to have him back, and it's great working with him again.

"His calmness on the field and the way he manages games will make a massive difference. He's also played up north, so he knows what to expect in these wet conditions. It's going to be great playing with him again.

"It's good to have [the Springboks] back among us on the field. They bring great experience and a lot of new energy. It's definitely a big boost for the squad."

Despite the Bok boost, Grobbelaar is under no illusion as to the challenge that awaits them in Ulster, where they have never recorded a victory.

"We've never won here," he admitted.

"Ulster are a physical team with great ball-carriers and a strong maul. If we can stop their momentum, we'll be right in the mix."

Following Ulster, the South African head south to Connacht, then across the Irish Sea to Scotland to face the Glasgow Warriors. 

READ MORE: Defence remains Stormers’ cornerstone ahead of Welsh and Italian tests