The Bulls have been forced to make one change to the starting XV that steamrolled the Cheetahs last week with scrumhalf Jano Vermaak coming in for the suspended Francois Hougaard for the clash with the Blues on Saturday.
Vermaak moved from the Lions last year during the Currie Cup and impressed behind the scrum whilst Hougaard was away on Springbok duty - clearing rucks quickly and showing his ability to snipe from the fringes.
The experienced campaigner already has 73 Super Rugby caps and his place on the bench is taken by the young Ruan Snyman.
Vermaak commented: "It is exciting to get the chance to play. It is something that I wanted to do for a long time and I hope to make the most of the opportunity.
"The Blues are a strong side full of internationals, but that is the big challenge. One wants to test yourself against the best players in the world and Super Rugby allows you to do that," he added.
Bulls coach Frans Ludeke expressed confidence that Vermaak would slot into the as yet unbeaten team well as they eye a hungry Bluies team that have yet to record a victory themselves.
"Jano is one of the best scrumhalves in the competition and has a proven record at this level. His experience, temperament and solid skill set make him the ideal replacement for Francois (Hougaard)," Ludeke said.
The Bulls boss said that although the Blues have had a difficult start to the season, they have no shortage of talent so he is expecting a fierce test at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
"They have firepower in the pack and firepower at the back. Adding to their ability in broken play, they have a very solid kicking game and good set phases. They will be a severe test of our abilities," Ludeke said.
Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Wynand Olivier, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies (captain), 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling.
Replacements: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Ruan Snyman, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 JJ Engelbrecht.
Date: Saturday, March 10
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Steve Walsh (Australia)
Assistant referees: Pro Legoete (South Africa), Stefan Breytenbach (South Africa)
TMO: Gerrie Coetzee (South Africa)
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