Bulls debut on the cards for lock Ruan Vermaak, Steyn returns to front Pumas

The Bulls' latest recruit Ruan Vermaak will slot in at lock for his side's encounter against the Pumas on Friday.

It will be the 24-year-old's first start since moving to Pretoria.

Prop Lizo Gqoboka will captain the side, which is a mix of youth and experience. Veteran Morne Steyn will marshal proceedings from flyhalf.

There will be some anticipation for the unleashing of youthful talent from the bench which includes Francois Klopper, Stephan Smit and Tharquinn Manuel, all of whom who played a key role in the recent Varsity Cup success of the University of Pretoria.

"We have worked hard this week in preparation of a match that we have no doubt will be a huge challenge. The Airlink Pumas remain one of the most dangerous sides in the Carling Currie Cup, and history has proven that they never come to Loftus Versfeld short of motivation," said Bulls head coach, Gert Smal, ahead of the game.

He added: "The Airlink Pumas are a dangerous, tough side. We have no doubt that they will throw everything at us on Friday. We will have to be at our best if we want to overcome a spirited opposition like we have coming up this week."

The game gets underway at 19:00.

Bulls:

15 James Verity-Amm, 14 David Kriel , 13 Stedman Gans, 12 Marco Jansen van Vuren, 11 Richard Kriel, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Muller Uys, 7 Reinhardt Ludwig, 6 WJ Steenkamp, 5 Janko Swanepoel, 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Robert Hunt, 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Lizo Gqoboka 

Substitutes: 16 Sidney Tobias, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Francois Kloppers, 19 Raynard Roets, 20 Stephan Smit, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Juan Mostert, 23 Tharquinn Manuel

Pumas:

15 Devon Williams, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 Alwayno Visagie, 12 Eddie Fouche, 11 Tapiwa Mafura, 10 Tinus de Beer, 9 Chriswill September,