Fit again Ismaiel back for Bulls
The former Junior Springbok has recovered from injury.
The 25-year old picked up a knee injury against the Crusaders early in May, but takes over his regular spot from Kefentse Mahlo for the match – one of two backline changes to the side that beat the Sharks in Durban last weekend.
In the other Tian Schoeman has been promoted off the bench and will start at flyhalf in place of injured Tony Jantjies – who damaged his robs early in the win over the Sharks.
There are some new faces on the bench for this match, with two more players set to make their debut for the Bulls.
Flyhalf Tinus de Beer will provide cover off the bench for Schoeman and could make a first start in the tournament, while Ruben van Heerden has also been named in the match day squad for the first time.
The lock was part of the bronze medal-winning Junior Springbok team in Tbilisi earlier this year and this progression into the Bulls will be another highlight in his season.
He comes in for Renaldo Bothma, who broke his arm in Durban last weekend.
Bulls: 15 Warrick Gelant, 14 Travis Ismaiel, 13 Jesse Kriel, 12 Jan Serfontein, 11 Duncan Matthews, 10 Tian Schoeman, 9 Rudy Paige, 8 Nic de Jager, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Ruan Steenkamp, 5 Rudolph Snyman, 4 Jason Jenkins, 3 Conrad van Vuuren, 2 Adriaan Strauss (captain), 1 Lizo Gqoboka.
Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 Pierre Schoeman, 18 John-Roy Jenkinson, 19 Ruben van Heerden, 20 Shaun Adendorff, 21 Andre Warner, 22 Tinus de Beer, 23 Burger Odendaal.
Date: Saturday, July 8
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT)
Referee: Federico Anselmi (Argentina)
Assistant referees: Marius van der Westhuizen (South Africa), Rasta Rasivhenge (South Africa)
TMO: Johan Greeff (South Africa)
