Smith cracks the nod as the backline marshal for the Juksei Derby, as Morné Steyn is being rested. SA Rugby asked that players who formed part of the alignment camps be rested for at least one game.

Apart from Smith's return, James Verity-Amm gets a start on the wing with Stravino Jacobs dropping to the bench as the Pretoria franchise continues exploiting its depth, with the aim to make it four wins on the trot in their campaign.

Upfront, Lizo Gqoboka and Trevor Nyakane will both start at prop, while the exciting loose-forward, Elrigh Louw, returns to the starting line-up at blindside flank.

The forwards see several changes as Springbok props Lizo Gqoboka and Trevor Nyakane get into the starting trenches in a direct swap with Gerhard Steenekamp and Mornay Smith.

Nizaam Carr and utility back Clinton Swart both move to the bench for the game.

The Bulls coach, Jake White, said that the winless Lions will come at them hard.

“The more we are successful on the pitch, the bigger the target on our back gets.

“The Lions will not be happy with their returns over the first three matches and they will come out hunting this weekend.

“We need to be effective in playing our brand of rugby and keeping our momentum going”.

Saturday afternoon’s Jukskei derby in Johannesburg kicks off at 15:30.

Bulls – 15 David Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 James Verity-Amm, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen (c), 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Trevor Nyakane, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Lizo Gqoboka.

Replacements - 16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Gerhard Steenekamp, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Clinton Swart, 23 Stravino Jacobs.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport