Marcell Coetzee will captain the side, with Johan Grobbelaar, Embrose Papier, Jan Serfontein, and Cobus Wiese also featuring – all of whom have worn the green-and-gold before.

The Bulls, however, will be without the services of Ruan Nortjé, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, and Willie le Roux, who are currently in New Zealand with the Springboks for their crucial Rugby Championship Tests against the All Blacks.

Johan Grobbelaar. Photo: Morgan Piek

For the Cheetahs, the stakes are high. A victory – ideally with a bonus point – would secure their spot in the semi-finals. For new Bulls coach Johan Ackermann and his men, the focus is on getting valuable game time under the belt, with an eye on the United Rugby Championship (URC).

While the Bulls boast experience, the Cheetahs may look to exploit Pretoria’s possible lack of match fitness – and the earlier they strike, the better.

Ackermann admitted that his side is short on game time, but told OFM Sport that the clash holds plenty of value, as it gives players an opportunity to put up their hands for URC selection later this month.

“Yes, definitely. We don’t have a full squad of 23 returning, and we’re still carrying a fair number of injuries. So, we’re definitely going to use some Currie Cup players and younger guys who need a run,” Ackermann explained.

“It’s a great chance for them to show us what they can do. Age and experience count, but if you’re doing the right things, you’ll get rewarded. From day one, I told the players everyone has a clean slate – the jersey is up for grabs, and it’s up to them to prove themselves.”

Saturday’s showdown at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 19:05.

Bulls - 15 Devon Williams, 14 Cheswill Jooste, 13 David Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Alfonso Isaacs, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Abri van der Westhuizen, 7 Mpilo Gumede, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Jaco Grobbelaar, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni

Replacements - 16 Juann Else, 17 Ruan Swart, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Cobus Wiese, 20 Nama Xaba, 21 Paul de Wet, 22 Harold Vorster, 23 Stedman Gans

Cheetahs - TBA

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek cvs