Simelane takes centre stage for Bulls

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White has shuffled his backline for Friday's Round 12 United Rugby Championship clash against the Dragons at Rodney Parade.

In the big change, White has recalled Wandisile Simelane into the matchday 23. He takes over the No.13 jersey from Cornal Hendricks.

Kurt-Lee Arendse returns to fullback after playing on the wing against the Sharks last weekend.

David Kriel will start at left wing with Canan Moodie on the right.

Zak Burger also comes in to don the No.9 jersey.

There is only one change in the pack with Gerhard Steenekamp coming in for Simphiwe Matanzima, who also drops to the bench.

The bench sees the addition of Bismarck Du Plessis, who comes into the matchday 23 with Jan-Hendrik Wessels missing out due to a niggle.

Scrumhalf Embrose Papier returns to the matchday squad with Johan Goosen and Hendricks completing the herd for the outing.

Bulls: 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 David Kriel, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marco Van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje (captain), 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.

Replacements: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Johan Goosen, 23 Cornal Hendricks.

Date: Friday, January 6

Venue: Rodney Parade, Newport

Kick-off: 19.35 (19.35 GMT; 21.35 SA time)

Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)

Assistant referees: Mike English (Wales), Tom Spurrier (Wales)

TMO: Andrew McMenemy (Scotland)