Veteran Springbok Morne Steyn will captain a very strong Vodacom Blue Bulls side in their Currie Cup opener against defending champions, the Airlink Pumas on Sunday.
By making Steyn captain the Bulls have signaled how seriously they are taking the match, and there are a number of experienced players in the side as they look to open their campaign in style.
The back three is the same that started the Vodacom United Rugby Championship derby against the Lions with Wandisile Simelane, Sibongile Novuka and S’bu Nkosi all in the last line of defence while Lionel Mapoe returns to the side to partner David Kriel in the midfield.
Steyn’s partner at halfback is Bernard van der Linde and the Bulls have chosen a talented front row of Gerhard Steenekamp, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Francois Klopper in the front row.
Their second row sees Ruan Vermaak return to the engine room and he will partner Jacques du Plessis while two players who haven’t got much action yet this season Mihlali Mosi and former Pumas flank Phumzile Maqondwana are in the loose trio.
On the bench the Bulls have two Springboks in Lizo Gqoboka and Cornal Hendricks while other stalwarts like Morne Smith at reserve tighthead and flyhalf Chris Smith are also in the 23.
Vodacom Blue Bulls: Wandisile Simelane; Sibongile Novuka, Lionel Mapoe, David Kriel, S’bu Nkosi; Morne Steyn, Bernard van der Linde; Mihlali Mosi, Reinhardt Ludwig, Phumzile Maqondwana, Ruan Vermaak, Jacques du Plessis, Francois Klopper, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Gerhard Steenekamp.
Replacements: Joe van Zyl, Lizo Gqoboka, Mornay Smith, Janko Swanepoel, Cameron Hanekom, Keagan Johannes, Chris Smith, Cornal Hendricks.