‘Disappointment aplenty’ might best describe last week’s home clash with the Irish team that had to be called-off following an outbreak of gastro in the Ulster camp, and the Sharks will relish the opportunity to get stuck into their local rivals this weekend.

The Sharks coaching team do not have their Springboks available for selection this week, but have nonetheless a powerful squad to select from.

The Springboks’ contribution was immense in the victory over Glasgow Warriors two weeks ago, but with their unavailability the squad now reverts to the one that toured and achieved pleasing results overseas.

Changes from the last team that played see only one switch amongst the forward pack, with lock Gerbrandt Grobler replacing Springbok Eben Etzebeth, while three changes amongst the backline have been made.

Cameron Wright takes over from another Springbok, scrumhalf Jaden Hendrikse and Thaakir Abrahams is in for Anthony Volmink. Newly signed, seven-time Springbok capped centre Francois Venter gets his debut start ahead of Marnus Potgieter, who has been named on the bench.

Sunday’s game at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria kicks off at 15:00.

Bulls - 15 Johan Goosen, 14 David Kriel, 13 Cornal Hendricks, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sbu Nkosi, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Zak Burger, 8 WJ Steenkamp, 7 Marco van Staden, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 Ruan Nortjé, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Francois Klopper, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp

Replacements - 16 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 17  Simphiwe Matanzima, 18  Mornay Smith, 19  Janko Swanepoel, 20  Ruan Vermaak, 21  Embrose Papier, 22  Stravino Jacobs, 23  Wandisile Simelane

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Werner Kok, 13 Francois Venter, 12 Ben Tapuai, 11 Thaakir Abrahams, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Cameron Wright, 8 Phepsi Buthelezi, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Dylan Richardson, 5 Hyron Andrews, 4 Gerbrandt Grobler, 3 Thomas du Toit (captain), 2 Kerron van Vuuren, 1 Ntuthuko Mchunu

Replacements - 16 Dan Jooste, 17 Dian Bleuler, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Justin Basson, 20 James Venter, 21 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Marnus Potgieter