Jesse Kriel will make a long-awaited return to the Blue Bulls on Saturday when they travel to Durban to face the Sharks in the Currie Cup.

Kriel last played for the Blue Bulls in the Currie Cup in 2014, but has since been part of the Springboks set-up and not available to play for the ‘Ligbloues’ in the premier domestic competition. He has only played nine times for the Blue Bulls in Currie Cup and his tenth appearance is welcomed by coach Pote Human, who did not hesitate to include the utility back into the starting team.

“Of course, it is great to have Jesse back in the team. He is a world class player and we welcome him back with a smile on our faces. That said, this remains a team game and a team effort. We need to make sure we create the opportunities and space for someone like Jesse to perform. The Sharks also have a couple of Springboks in their squad, so they will be a pretty tough team to beat, especially in Durban, where they hosted the final last year,” said Human.

Kriel replaces JT Jackson, who moves to the bench, while Human also promoted Hendre Stassen to the starting team in place of injured Ruben van Heerden from the team that opened their season with a win in Bloemfontein last Friday.

Stassen’s place on the bench is taken by Eli Snyman. Edgar Marutlulle is back on the bench in place of Jan-Henning Campher, with Jaco Visagie moving into the starting line-up. Reagan Oranje will make his debut at scrumhalf, should he take to the field. He replaces Theo Maree as back-up to Andre Warner.

Blue Bulls captain, Hanro Liebenberg, said they will focus on the positive start in Bloemfontein.

“We have a tough opening spell in the Currie Cup with away games in Bloemfontein and Durban to start with. We did well in Bloemfontein and that was good for the confidence, but if we don’t pitch up in Durban, it could be a step back again. So, we are pretty determined to apply ourselves and continue with the good work done against the Free State Cheetahs,” said Liebenberg.

The team to play the Sharks is: 15. Divan Rossouw, 14. Jade Stighling, 13. Jessie Kriel, 12. Johnny Kotze, 11. Jamba Ulengo, 10. Manie Libbok, 9. Andre Warner, 8. Hanro Liebenberg (c), 7. Thembelani Bholi, 6. Ruan Steenkamp, 5. Ruan Nortje, 4. Hendre Stassen, 3. Conrad van Vuuren, 2. Jaco Visagie and 1. Matthys Basson. Replacements: 16. Edgar Marutlulle, 17. Dayan van der Westhuizen, 18. Eli Snyman, 19. Jano Venter, 20. Raegan Oranje, 21. Tony Jantjies and 22. JT Jackson.

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