Bulls welcome back their 'captain'

TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT: The Bulls’ captain, Ruan Nortje, makes his timely return to action this weekend.

However, he will not lead the team in their Round 14 United Rugby Championship encounter with Zebre at Loftus on Saturday.

Nortje has been sidelined by injury and illness but has regained full match fitness.

Simphiwe Matanzima also returns from injury and also gets a seat on the bench.

The starting line-up sees a front row combination featuring Alulutho Tshakweni, Jan-Hendrik Wessels and Mornay Smith.

All three did duty against Leinster in the previous round and will be looking to maintain their good form of last week.

Lock duo Ruan Vermaak and JF van Heerden have been retained, likewise the two flanks in matchday skipper Marcell Coetzee and Jannes Kirsten.

Zak Burger starts at scrumhalf to partner up with Keagan Johannes who has been retained at flyhalf.

Stravino Jacobs has a new partner in Sergeal Petersen. The two will get a run at left and right wing, with Harold Vorster and David Kriel pairing up in the midfield.

Devon Williams provides cover at fullback with his trusty left boot.

Bulls: 15 Devon Williams, 14 Sergeal Petersen, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Keagan Johannes, 9 Zak Burger, 8 Celimpilo Gumede, 7 Jannes Kirsten, 6 Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5 JF van Heerden, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Jan-Hendrik Wessels, 1 Alulutho Tshakweni
Replacements: 16 Simphiwe Matanzima, 17 Akker van der Merwe, 18 Wilco Louw, 19 Ruan Nortje, 20 Marco van Staden, 21 Nizaam Carr, 22 Embrose Papier, 23 Boeta Chamberlain

Date: Saturday, March 29
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 14.45 (13.45 Italian time; 12.45 GMT)
Referee: Mike Adamson (Scotland)
Assistant referees: Cwengile Jadezweni (South Africa), Sean Muller (South Africa)
TMO: Sam Grove-White (Scotland)