Flanker Freddy Ngoza will lead the Blue Bulls for the first time on Saturday when they take on the Golden Lions in Alberton in a Currie Cup Qualifier clash.

He takes over the captaincy from Hanro Liebenberg, who will travel to Australia with the Bulls Super Rugby side, with Ruan Steenkamp taking over as number eight.

The Bulls trip resulted in a number of changes to the side that edged the Free State Cheetahs last weekend.

Amongst those will see Dries Swanepoel’s place will be taken by Franco Naude and Bandise Maku’s spot by Corniel Els.

Coach Hendré Marnitz also opted for Joshua Stander at flyhalf and included Springboks Bjorn Basson and Deon Stegmann on the bench.

Tapiwa Tsomondo will also earn a first start for the season, as will Kefentse Mahlo.

Franco Naude, JT Jackson, Jan-Henning Campher and Aston Fortuin, currently training with the Junior Springboks, has also been named in the side.

The team is: Manie Libbok, Kefentse Mahlo, Franco Naude, JT Jackson, Jade Stighling, Joshua Stander, Ivan van Zyl, Ruan Steenkamp, Freddy Ngoza (c), Tapiwa Tsomondo, Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg, Abongile Nonkontwana, Entienne Swanepoel, Corniel Els, Nqobisizwe Mxoli. Replacements: Jan-Henning Campher, Dayan van der Westhuizen, Aston Fortuin, Deon Stegmann, Andre Warner, Adrian Maebane, Bjorn Basson.