The Blue Bulls host the Toyota Free State XV in the second quarter-final of this year’s Vodacom Cup tournament at Loftus Versfeld on Friday evening (kick-off at 19h10).

This game is a replay of last year’s quarter-final, won by the men from Pretoria by a single point.

The Blue Bulls team has been boosted by the inclusion of Jurgen Visser and Tian Schoeman for this match.

Veteran winger Akona Ndungane will also play at Loftus Versfeld as he has returned from injury and along with Visser and Schoeman, who did not travel Down Under with the Bulls, will bring huge experience to the relatively young home team.

Amongst the forwards, Andrew Beerwinkel, who sat on the bench for the Bulls against the Lions two weeks ago, will return as tight head prop.

The Nollis Marais-coached Blue Bulls scored 40 tries in their seven pool matches this season, which is the most by any team. Their opponents from Bloemfontein, coached by Rory Duncan, were the top try-scoring side in the South Section with 28.

The Blue Bulls was the champions in this tournament in 2001, 2008 and 2010. Last year they lost against the Lions in the semi-final with one point (16-15).

The team to play Free State at Loftus on Friday is: Jurgen Visser, Akona Ndungane, William Small-Smith, Dan Kriel, Jamba Ulengo, Tian Schoeman, JP Smith, Clyde Davids, Nardus van der Walt, Wiaan Liebenberg, Marvin Orie, Nqubeko Zulu, Andrew Beerwinkel, Arno van Wyk, and Basil Short. Replacements: Corniel Els, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Roelof Smit, Kefentse Mahlo, Kobus Marais, Marquit September.