Bench role for Steyn as Bulls tweak pack

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls have kept consistency in their backline while making a handful of changes in the pack ahead of their United Rugby Championship Round Four clash against Edinburgh on Saturday.

The side will see Chris Smith earning a starting berth at flyhalf as the only change to the backline that faced Cardiff Rugby a week ago.

The forwards will see the return of Lizo Gqoboka and Mornay Smith as the starting props, while a new loose trio will see captain Marcell Coetzee playing alongside Arno Botha at blindside flank and Muller Uys at No.8.

Experienced Springbok flyhalf, Morne Steyn, will provide cover from the bench.

Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, said: "It’s been quite an experience for our squad in these past four weeks in the UK, adapting to the United Rugby Championship – new opposition and unfamiliar conditions.

"Edinburgh is a top side that is well-coached, with a number of international players. We expect another challenging encounter against a competitive opposition. We look forward to ending off this tour on a high note."

Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Cornal Hendricks, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Muller Uys, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Janko Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Lizo Gqoboka.

Replacements: 16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Walt Steenkamp, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 22 Morne Steyn, 23 Lionel Mapoe.

Date: Saturday, October 16

Venue: Edinburgh Stadium, Edinburgh

Kick-off: 17.15 (18.15 SA time; 16.15 GMT)

Referee: Ben Whitehouse (Wales)

Assistant referees: Ben Blain (Scotland), Graeme Ormiston (Scotland)

TMO: Sean Brickell (Wales)