Pumas shuffle the deck for Bulls

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Pumas have made a number of changes, as they look to record their first win of the season.

Having lost to the Lions (37-38) and Griquas (29-37) in away matches in the opening weeks, the Pumas host the Bulls in their first home match of the season in Nelspruit on Friday.

The most significant changes are at halfback, where utility back Ashlon Davids will start at scrumhalf in place of Reynier van Rooyen - who drops down to the replacement bench.

Chris Smith also takes over at flyhalf from Kobus Marais, who also finds a place on the bench.

The loose trio has also been revamped.

Jeandre Rudolph moves from flank to No.8, Willie Engelbrecht from No.8 to flank and Francois Kleynhans completes the loose trio.

Pumas: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Morné Joubert, 13 Ryan Nel (captain), 12 Henko Marais, 11 Etienne Taljaard, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Ashlon Davids, 8 Jeandre Rudolph, 7 Willie Engelbrecht, 6 Francois Kleynhans, 5 Stefan Willemse, 4 Le Roux Roets, 3 Marne Coetzee, 2 Marko Janse van Rensburg, 1 Andrew Beerwinkel.

Replacements: 16 Simon Westraadt, 17 De-Jay Terblanche, 18 Hilton Lobberts, 19 Phumzile Maqondwana, 20 Reynier van Rooyen, 21 Jacobus Marais, 22 Alwayno Visagie, 23 Morgan Naude.

Date: Friday, July 26

Venue: Mbombela Stadium, Nelspruit

Kick-off: 19.15 (18.15 GMT)

Referee: Egon Seconds

Assistant referees: Eduan Nel, Johre Botha

TMO: Johan Greeff