Lionel Mapoe will make a return to the Bulls’ starting XV in the only change to the team’s starting lineup for their United Rugby Championship clash against Stormers in Cape Town on Saturday.

The Bulls have made minimal changes to their team that was victorious against Ulster Rugby at Loftus Versfeld last weekend as Mapoe comes in at outside centre, replacing Cornal Hendricks, who will provide backline cover from the bench this week.

Experienced hooker, Bismarck du Plessis, will bolster the bench as he returns to URC action as a potential replacement. Also, on the bench this week is backup lock, Janko Swanepoel.

The Tshwane-based side is expecting a tough challenge against the Cape Town-based side when they meet at  Stadium.

The Stormers have shown some good form in recent weeks, winning four of their most recent five URC matches, and currently occupy the sixth spot on the overall log standings, making them the highest ranked South African team in the competition.

“After a few weeks of testing ourselves against some of the top overseas sides, we are excited to be involved in a local derby this week against an in-form side like the Stormers,” said Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.

He emphasized that they expect a very tough match in Cape Town.

“The Stormers have shown over the past few weeks how much of a competitive side they are in the URC. They beat us at Loftus Versfeld in our last encounter, and they will definitely be an even tougher opponent this weekend in their own backyard,” White concluded.

The match will kick-off at 14:00 and it will be televised on SuperSport.

The Bulls team to face Stormers is:  Kurt-Lee Arendse (Betway Centurion), Canan Moodie (Pretoria), Lionel Mapoe (Pretoria), Harold Vorster (Northam Rhinos), Madosh Tambwe (Pretoria), Chris Smith (Harlequins), Zak Burger (Tuine), Elrigh Louw (UP Tuks), Cyle Brink (Betway Centurion), Marcell Coetzee (CAPT, ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Ruan Nortje (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Walt Steenkamp (Betway Centurion), Mornay Smith (Betway Centurion), Johan Grobbelaar (UP Tuks), Gerhard Steenekamp (ABE Midas Naka Bulle). Reserves: Bismarck du Plessis (Betway Centurion), Simphiwe Matanzima (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Robert Hunt (Harlequins), Janko Swanepoel (Pretoria), Arno Botha (ABE Midas Naka Bulle), Keagan Johannes (UP Tuks), Morne Steyn (Tuine), Cornal Hendricks (Northam Rhinos).

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