Bulls rush Bok captain back

Strauss was rested in last weekend's disappointing Super Rugby loss to the Jaguares in Buenos Aires, but is back to lead the team in what has become a must-win match for the home side - if they are to keep alive an outside chance into the competition play-offs.

The return of Strauss, in place of Bandise Maku, comes in an overhaul of the front row from the team that delivered a disappointing result in Argentina.

Prop Pierre Schoeman will start at loosehead in place of injured Lizo Gqoboka, while Werner Kruger will start at tighthead in place of Marcel van der Merwe.

Schoeman's seven appearances thus far in the competition all came as impact player.

The inclusion of Werner Kruger will see the last appearance at Loftus Versfeld of the stalwart, who played 118 times for the Bulls.

The loose trio combination is also new.

Renaldo Bothma starts at No.8, with Jannes Kirsten and Pieter Labuschagne the flanks.

In the backs Jesse Kriel starts at fullback, with Dries Swanepoel pairing up with Burger Odendaal in the midfield.

Piet van Zyl also returns to the scrumhalf starting berth.

On the bench, Nqoba Mxoli will make his Bulls and Super Rugby debut if he takes to the field.

Bulls: 15 Jesse Kriel, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Burger Odendaal, 12 Dries Swanepoel, 11 Jamba Ulengo, 10 Francois Brummer, 9 Piet van Zyl, 8 Renaldo Bothma, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Pieter Labuschagne, 5 Jason Jenkins, 4 Marvin Orie, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Pierre Schoeman.

Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Nqoba Mxoli, 18 Marcel van der Merwe, 19 Hanro Liebenberg, 20 Grant Hattingh, 21 Arno Botha, 22 Rudy Paige, 23 Tian Schoeman.

Date: Saturday, June 9

Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria

Kick-off: 17.05 (15.05 GMT; 00.05, Sunday, July 10 Japan time)

Referee: Quinton Immelman (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Jaco van Heerden  (South Africa), AJ Jacobs (South Africa)

TMO: Willie Vos (South Africa)