Jesse Kriel will play his first Currie Cup match since 2014 when he starts for the Blue Bulls against the Sharks at Kings Park in Durban on Saturday.
Kriel has not played in South Africa’s premier domestic competition for four years because of his involvement with the Springboks, but he has since fallen down the pecking order at national level and will get a chance to impress for his union on Saturday.
Blue Bulls coach Pote Human was delighted to welcome the 24-year-old back in to the fold.
“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,” said Human.
“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.”
Kriel comes in for JT Jackson, who drops to the bench, while Human also handed a start to Hendre Stassen to fill the void left by the injured Ruben van Heerden.
Lastly, Jaco Visagie moves in to the starting lineup at hooker, with Edgar Marutlulle shifting to the reserves.
Captain Hanro Liebenberg said they will focus on the positive start in Bloemfontein in which they beat the Cheetahs 34-12.
“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 Cheetahs.”
Blue Bulls: 15 Divan Rossouw, 14 Jade Stighling, 13 Jesse 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, 1 Matthys Basson
Replacements: 16 Edgar Marutlulle, 17 Dayan van der Westhuizen, 18 Eli Snyman, 19 Jano Venter, 20 Raegan Orange, 21 Tony Jantjies, 22 JT Jackson
Date: Saturday, August 25
Venue: Kings Park, Durban
Kick-off: 15:00 local (13:00 GMT)
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant referees: Archie Sehlako, Vusi Msibi
TMO: Christie du Preez