The most notable change comes at flyhalf, where seasoned Springbok Johan Goosen returns from injury to wear the number ten jersey. A former Cheetahs pivot, Goosen’s inclusion is seen as a significant boost, with the Bulls viewing him as their premier flyhalf.

This is the only alteration to the starting XV, and it sees Keagan Johannes, who scored a try and put in a strong kicking performance in the quarter-final against Edinburgh, shifting to the bench.

Another ex-Cheetahs player, Alulutho Tshakweni, has also been added to the bench as cover at loosehead prop.

Bulls head coach Jake White has thrown his full support behind Goosen for the knockout clash.

“One thing I know about him is he’s always in and out and in again. So if anyone says he’s not match-ready, well, that’s usually how his career has gone,” said White.

“For those who’ve seen him at training, it’s like he never left. I always say that when it comes to these end-of-season games – these playoff matches – you need your best players fit, available, and ready.

“Whatever happens during the season is just part of the building block. Last week, we had 14 or 15 of the same players involved, so there’s continuity. And having him back … he’s a Springbok, our number one flyhalf.

Johan Goosen. Photo: Morgan Piek

“We’ve also got Keagan, who’s done really well, on the bench. So it’s a good position for us to be in.”

Saturday’s action kicks off with Leinster taking on the Glasgow Warriors at 15:45, followed by the Bulls facing the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld at 18:15.

Bulls - 15 Willie le Roux, 14 Canon Moodie, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sebastian de Klerk, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Ruan Nortjé (captain), 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Jan-Hendrik Wessels

Replacements - 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Jannes Kirsten, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Keagan Johannes, 23 Devon Williams

Sharks - 15 Aphelele Fassi, 14 Ethan Hooker, 13 Lukhanyo Am, 12 Andre Esterhuizen, 11 Makazole Mapimpi, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Jaden Hendrikse, 8 Siya Kolisi (captain), 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 James Venter, 5 Emile van Heerden, 4 Corne Rahl, 3 Vincent Koch, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Ox Nche

Replacements - 16 Fez Mbatha, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Hanro Jacobs, 19 Deon Slabbert, 20 Phepsi Buthelezi, 21 Bradley Davids, 22 Jurenzo Julius, 23 Yaw Penxe

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek