Steenkamp and Stegmann back

Wilhelm Steenkamp has replaced injured Springbok Flip van der Merwe in the only change to the Bulls starting XV side for their crucial Super Rugby clash against the Lions at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.


The 27-year-old Steenkamp last started for the Bulls in their clash against the Chiefs in Hamilton earlier in the season and will play in his 51st match at this level - after stints with the Sharks and Cheetahs.


His place on the bench will be taken by fit-again openside flank Deon Stegmann, who has fully recovered from a broken arm suffered earlier in the season.


Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said flank Jacques Potgieter would provide cover at lock in the absence of Van der Merwe.


Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies (captain), 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Dewald Potgieter, 5 Juandre Kruger, 4 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 12 Dean Greyling.

Replacements: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Deon Stegmann, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 Francois Venter.


Date: Saturday, July 14

Venue: Loftus Versfeld

Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)

Referee: Craig Joubert (South Africa)

Assistant referees: Sindile Mayende (South Africa), Stefan Breytenbach (South Africa)

TMO: JC Fortuin (South Africa)