Exciting midfielder Johann Sadie will make his debut for the Bulls on Saturday after being named in the side that will play the Cheetahs in their warm-up match at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane.
The 22-year-old joined the Bulls from the Stormers and Western Province late last year and has been working hard during pre-season with his new team. He now gets a chance to show his worth to coach Frans Ludeke, who named a strong starting team including 11 Springboks.
Flyhalf Morné Steyn, scrumhalf Francois Hougaard and hooker Chiliboy Ralepelle will all be in action for the first time since the Springboks quarterfinal exit from the World Cup while Francois Venter and CJ Stander are the only players in the starting line-up without any Super Rugby experience.
With captain Pierre Spies (calf) and vice captain Wynand Oliver (wrist) unavailable due to injury Ralepelle will skipper the side which looks close to a full-strength outfit.
"We are keen to see where we are at this stage of the season. The Cheetahs have had some game under the belt and will be a difficult opponent, just what we need now," Ludeke said.
Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Johann Sadie, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 CJ Stander, 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle (captain), 1 Dean Greyling.
Replacements: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Arno Botha, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 JJ Engelbrecht.
Date: Saturday, February 11
Venue: Peter Mokaba Stadium, Polokwane
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: TBC
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