Bulls back Mapoe for Stormers derby, Bismarck on bench despite midweek controversy

Bulls director of rugby Jake White has opted for continuity in naming his team to tackle the Stormers in a United Rugby Championship derby in Cape Town on Saturday.

Lionel Mapoe makes a return in the only change to the starting line-up which beat Ulster 34-16 in Pretoria last weekend.

Mapoe starts at outside centre in place of Cornal Hendricks, who drops to the bench.

Veteran hooker Bismarck du Plessis also comes in on the bench after playing for the Bulls against Western Province in the Currie Cup on Wednesday. He courted controversy for an alleged punch but was not cited and is therefore free to play.

Also included on the bench is backup lock Janko Swanepoel.

?? TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT ?? Here is your Vodacom Bulls team to take on the DHL Stormers tomorrow in Cape Town ??Comment with your score prediction below ?? #TrueToTheBlue @Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/rn0CGP4moH

White said he expected a stern test from the Stormers.

"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," White said.

"We 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."

Saturday's north-south derby at Cape Town Stadium kicks off at 14:00.

Stormers

15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Rikus Pretorius, 11 Leolin Zas, 10 Manie Libbok, 9 Herschel Jantjies, 8 Evan Roos, 7 Hacjivah Dayimani, 6 Deon Fourie, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Adre Smith, 3 Neethling Fouche, 2 Scarra Ntubeni, 1 Steven Kitshoff