While it’s still early days, the Bulls are sitting at the top of the standings following two bonus-point wins. They now turn their attention to clashes against Ulster (Belfast), Connacht (Galway), and the Glasgow Warriors.

The Pretoria side, who are on ten points after back-to-back victories over the Ospreys and Leinster, have received a major boost with Handré Pollard available for selection. 

The two-time Rugby World Cup winner is one of 13 Springboks named in the touring squad. Others who recently featured in the Rugby Championship include Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Canan Moodie, Marco van Staden, and Wilco Louw.

Johan Goosen. Photo: Morgan Piek

Pollard is one of three flyhalves in the squad, alongside Johan Goosen and Keagan Johannes. It remains to be seen whether he will be fielded, but if he does play, it will mark his first appearance for the Bulls in six years.

The Bulls are without Marcell Coetzee, who is out with a concussion, and the Springbok hooker, Johan Grobbelaar, will take over the captaincy.

Head coach Johan Ackermann said most of the returning Springboks should slot in easily, although Pollard may need a bit more time to adjust, as he hasn’t played with this current group before.

“We’ve got individual plans in place, and injuries have forced one or two changes, but hopefully we’ll integrate everyone well.

“It’s now a matter of trusting they’ll settle quickly, find their rhythm, and enjoy their transition.

“Hopefully it’ll be an easy adjustment – it’s mainly about taking in information –  but for Handré, it’s probably a bit tougher as he’s the newest.”

Marcell Coetzee. Photo: Morgan Piek

“The other guys have played with this team before. That’s probably the biggest challenge for him, to slot in for his first games if we decide to use him.”

Saturday’s match between Ulster and the Bulls in Belfast kicks off at 20:45.

Bulls touring squad – Zak Burger, Paul de Wet, Sebastian de Klerk, Juann Else, Johan Goosen, Johann Grobbelaar (captain), Mpilo Gumede, Stravino Jacobs, Cheswill Jooste, Keagan Johannes, Francois Kloppers, Willie le Roux, Reinhardt Ludwig, Canan Moodie, Handré Pollard, Embrose Papier, Jeandré Rudolph, Jan Serfontein, Mornay Smith, Gerhard Steenekamp, Alulutho Tshkweni, Marco van Staden, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Harold Vorster, Cobus Wiese, Devon Williams, David Kriel, Jan-Hendrik Wessels, Nama Xaba

OFM Sport/Morgan Piek dg