The Bulls’ depth is being tested in the run-up to the United Rugby Championship semi-final against Leinster.
Stars like Kurt-Lee Arendse (cheekbone) and Canan Moodie (finger) are on the crutch list and Jake White has chosen Devon Williams and Sergeal Petersen to fill their shoes.
Willie le Roux will be the no. 15 jersey, while David Kriel and Harold Vorster are the center combination.
Johan Goosen will start at flyhalf, with Chris Smith showcasing his sharpshooting skills on the substitutes’ bench.
Lost trio wise, Cameron Hanekom, Elrigh Louw and Marco van Staden are in the starting team. Marcell Coetzee is not quite on track yet and when you play against Leinster you don’t want to take a chance with such a player.
Ruan Nortjé will lead the team and he will line up with Ruan Vermaak.
The Bulls boast a formidable front row of Gerhard Steenekamp, Johan Grobbelaar and Wilco Louw, but they will have to know their story to keep Andrew Porter and co at bay.
Leinster’s onslaught will be fierce, but Fort Loftus’ reinforcements can hold their own. There are enough stars to win the game.
Bulls: Willie le Roux (full back), Sergeal Petersen (right wing), David Kriel (outside centre), Harold Vorster (inside centre), Devon Williams (left wing), Johan Goosen (fly-half), Embrose Papier (scrum-half), Cameron Hanekom (eighth man), Elrigh Louw (flank), Marco van Staden (flank), Ruan Nortjé (captain and lock), Ruan Vermaak (lock), Wilco Louw (prop), Johan Grobbelaar (hooker) and Gerhard Steenekamp (prop). Substitutes: Akker van der Merwe, Simpiwe Matanzima, Francois Klopper, Reinhardt Ludwig, Nizaam Carr, Keagan Johannes, Chris Smith and Cornel Smit.
