Bulls make big changes for Stormers clash

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has adjusted his matchday squad slightly as they prepare to travel to the Cape where they will face the Stormers at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.

Headlining the changes is the return of Springbok No.8 and captain Duane Vermeulen. He will resume the captaincy from fellow Springbok Nizaam Carr with Carr dropping to the bench, from where he will be looking to undoubtedly provide a crucial impact when called upon.

The backs have been adjusted slightly with a direct exchange as James Verity-Amm and Chris Smith switching out for David Kriel and Morné Steyn respectively.

The heavy men up front only see one other change, outside of the return of Vermeulen, with Walt Steenkamp starting in the No.4 jumper as Janko Swanepoel shifts to the bench.

The Bulls boasts a bench oozing with talent and like last weekend, will provide fresh legs and more energy.

"Last week certainly proved how vital it is that we continue getting as much competitive rugby under our belts," said White. "The players need little motivation for another brutal North-South derby and we are definitely up for the challenge against a solid Stormers outfit."

Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen, captain), 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements - from: 16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Jacques van Rooyen, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Chris Smith, 23 James Verity-Amm, 24 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 25 Reinhardt Ludwig, 26 Arno Botha, 27 Keagan Johannes, 28 Janco Uys.

Date: Saturday, May 8

Venue: Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

Kick-off: 18.15 (16.15 GMT)

Referee: Stuart Berry

Assistant referees: Jaco Peyper, Aimee Barrett-Theron

TMO: Marius Jonker