With just the two SA derbies left in the Super 12, Vodacom Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer has not tampered with his tried and tested squad, but the two Danies, Rossouw and Coetzee, will get a chance to start against the Sharks in Durban on Saturday.
The Danies replace the Bothas, Bakkies and Gary, who will enjoy a well earned rest on the bench, but are sure to have a major impact when they do take to the field. The rest of the 22 is unchanged.
Meyer has talked down all rumours of South African derby matches. “We have to approach this game like any other and if you assume an easy victory, you are bound to get into trouble. The Sharks earned a convincing victory over the champion Brumbies in their last match at home and I am sure they are looking to build on that.”
Meyer has also indicated that he is not looking ahead to a possible semi-final spot and stressed that a victory over the Sharks is his only current point of focus.
The team:
Johan Roets; Akona Ndungane, JP Nel, Ettienne Botha, Bryan Habana; Morné Steyn, Fourie du Preez; Anton Leonard (c), Pedrie Wannenburg, Jacques Cronje, Victor Matfield, Danie Rossouw, Richard Bands, Danie Coetzee, Kees Lensing. Replacements: Gary Botha, Wessel Roux, Bakkies Botha, Warren Brosnihan, Heini Adams, Kennedy Tsimba, Wynand Olivier.