Super Rugby regular SP Marais will start at fullback for the Bulls when they take on the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth in what will be a 37th appearance for the versatile outside back.

This will only be his second game for the Bulls though after the former Southern Kings (8 caps) and Sharks (27 caps) player came off the bench in the win against the Cheetahs last weekend.

Marais takes over from Jesse Kriel, who returns to the midfield to partner Jan Serfontein. Kriel moves to outside centre, with Serfontein moving to the inside berth left vacant by the injury to Burger Odendaal.

Jesse Kriel’s twin brother, Dan, moves onto the bench and could make his Super Rugby debut should he take to the field.

Rudy Paige is also out injured and Piet van Zyl will start at nine for the first time this year, with Ivan van Zyl remaining on the bench as back-up scrumhalf.

In changes to the pack, Arno Botha returns to the number eight position, replacing Nic de Jager, while Lappies Labuschagne is back in the starting pack. He replaces Roelof Smit, who moves to the bench.

In another change, Trevor Nyakane will start, with Lizo Gqoboka dropping out.

Two new faces on the bench is Marvin Orie and Werner Kruger. Orie comes in for Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg and Kruger takes the seat vacated by Nyakane.

“There is no doubt that the Kings will be tails up,” Bulls coach, Nollis Marais said when he announced the team in Pretoria on Wednesday.

“They really deserved the win against the Sunwolves, a team we battled to put away. So with that as measure, it is clear that we will have to play very well if we want to leave Port Elizabeth with a win. We showed good grit last weekend against the Cheetahs, but will have to be more consistent at this level. We are playing in spurts and our second half effort is lacking.”

Bulls captain, Adriaan Strauss, feels that the Kings will target the Bulls scrum.

“No doubt. We did not do well in that department last weekend, while they did very well, so will see an opportunity to attack us there. We worked hard to fix the issues we had and I am confident that we can repel that attack. We have some weapons of our own and intend to use them.”

The team (with number of Super Caps) is: SP Marais (36), Travis Ismaiel (9), Jesse Kriel (21), Jan Serfontein (41), Jamba Ulengo (3), Tian Schoeman (12), Piet van Zyl (58), Arno Botha (37), Jannes Kirsten (5), Lappies Labuschagne (40), RG Snyman (5), Jason Jenkins (5), Marcel van der Merwe (38), Adriaan Strauss (123, c), Trevor Nyakane (63). Replacements: Bandise Maku (52), Pierre Schoeman (2), Werner Kruger (113), Marvin Orie (2), Roelof Smit (8), Ivan van Zyl (1), Francois Brummer (10), Dan Kriel (0).

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Liebenberg leads Blue Bulls in first Currie Cup game

Former Junior Springboks captain and number eight, Hanro Liebenberg, will lead the Blue Bulls in Cape Town on Friday when they take on Western Province in the opening match of the Currie Cup Qualifying series.

Only a couple of players in the squad named by coach Hendré Marnitz have played at this level.

The likes of Callie Visagie, Deon Stegmann and Luther Obi will provide experience though.

“Yes, we are a young team with not much experience, but there is massive potential and ability,” Marnitz said.

“It is a tough start, away from home against a team that performed very well in the competition in recent years, so we will be asked tough questions. I am confident that we will be very competitive,” Marnitz said.

Liebenberg echoed the sentiment.

“If you are good enough, you are old enough. This is a group of able and willing players. They all can play the game at a high level and is keen and proud to represent the Blue Bulls. We will give our best.”

The team is: Manie Libbok*, Jade Stighling*, Dries Swanepoel, Franco Naude*, Luther Obi, Tony Jantjies, André Warner*, Hanro Liebenberg (k), Freddy Ngoza, Deon Stegmann, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Irne Herbst*, Entienne Swanepoel, Callie Visagie, Nqobisizwe Mxoli. Replacements: Corniel Els, Njabulo Gumede, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Le Roux Roets*, Tapiwa Tsomondo*, Andre Warner, Kefenste Mahalo*.

*Currie Cup debut.