David Kriel returns to the starting XV to start at fullback in the place of Kurt-Lee Arendse.

The Springbok, Cornal Hendricks, also earns at start and will slot in on the wing.

The only change to the pack sees Gerhard Steenekamp starting at loosehead prop.

Bulls Director of Rugby, Jake White, said that while the Sharks lost to the Stormers in Cape Town a week prior, their opponents have nine Springboks and an Argentine international in their starting team.

“The Sharks are always a formidable opponent, and we will have to be at our best when we face a side that is so full of talent.

“For us to face a team with the SA Rugby Player of the Year, Siya Kolisi is a challenge we should look forward to. Furthermore, it is also inspirational to be able to play a domestic derby against the captain of the national team who also collects all of these accolades for his performance on and off the field. It certainly is inspiring that we have players of his calibre who choose to remain and play for domestic franchises when he could easily take up a contract elsewhere.

“This will be a great opportunity for youngsters like Elrigh Louw to be able to go up against an inspirational character like Siya. Then you also have players like Lukhanyo Am, Makazole Mapimpi, Bongi Mbonambi, and a host of others in that Sharks team whom our guys will want to measure themselves up against in a premier competition like the United Rugby Championship.

“We can look forward to a thrilling game at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.”

Tomorrow's game at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 17:05.

Bulls - 15 David Kriel, 14 Cornal Hendricks, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp
Replacements - 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Robert Hunt, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Muller Uys, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Chris Smith, 23 Cana Moodie

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Sbu Nkosi, 13 Lukhanyo Am (captain), 12 Marius Louw, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Tito Bonilla, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Henco Venter, 6 Siya Kolisi, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche
Replacements - 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Khutha Mchunu, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 Grant Williams, 22 Curwin Bosch, 23 Werner Kok

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport