Marco van Staden – known as ‘Eskom’ – says the Vodacom Bulls will treat Saracens with the respect worthy of the three-time champions in their Champions Cup opener tomorrow.

While the Stormers and Lions have travelled abroad with effectively second-string line-ups, playing at home means the Bulls will be able to field their strongest team possible, with Van Staden among 10 Springboks who may feature in the starting line-up.

What adds to the anticipation of the match at Loftus Versfeld is Saracens’ decision to tour with a host of internationals, including Owen Farrell, Maro Itoje and former Bulls scrum-half Ivan van Zyl.

“We are all excited to play against Saracens. They have so many international players that the match will be similar to a Test,” Van Staden says.

“Saracens have been a leading team in Europe for many years and they will be highly motivated to achieve success in South Africa. This is why we all play rugby, for such big games.”

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Last season saw the Bulls progress to the last 16 of the Champions Cup, where they were ultimately overpowered in the second half by French giants Toulouse in a 33-9 defeat after a strong first-half performance.

Having flown out of the blocks in the Vodacom URC, sitting third after winning five of their seven matches, the Bulls are looking to continue their excellent form in Europe.

“Every game at Loftus is important. We played in the Champions Cup for the first time last season and that is just as important [as the URC]. You want to do well in any competition you enter,” adds Van Staden.

Van Staden dipped his toe at hooker for the Springboks during the Rugby World Cup, but with the position pretty healthy at the Bulls, he doesn’t expect to be throwing into the line-out any time soon.

“I’m a flanker with the Bulls. I played hooker in my junior days and coach Jacques asked me if I would be willing to stand in at hooker. Everyone knows it’s about the bigger goal and I jumped at the chance. I don’t think it will just happen at the Bulls.”