Veteran flyhalf Morne Steyn will lead the Bulls XV when they tackle the Cheetahs in the Toyota Challenge in Bloemfontein on Friday.
The Bulls team will be coached by the franchise's Currie Cup coach, Gert Smal. Steyn will also be able to call on the experience of Springbok hooker Bismarck du Plessis, who is the vice-captain.
Wandisile Simelane, who recently joined the Bulls from the Lions, starts in the fullback position. The outside backs will be completed by the dangerous combination of Izzy Novuka and Stravino Jacobs, who scored a stunning try against Edinburgh in the URC last weekend.
Up front, Muller Uys will pack down at No 8 with Phumzile Maqondwana and Raynhard Mouton completing the loose trio.
Du Plessis will also have experienced campaigners in Jacques van Rooyen and Dylan Smith alongside him in the front row.
Smal also rewarded Wiehan Bezuidenhout and Juan van der Westhuizen with opportunities after sterling performances in the Carlton Cup. Carlton Cup winning coaches Riaan Brandt and Christo Bezuidenhout from Centurion RC have also been invited to join the coaching team.
"We're excited about the challenge, as it will give our structures and depth a real test. It's a going to be a busy season ahead with a few competitions overlapping, so managing two games this Friday will give us a good indication of what to expect," said Jake White, the Bulls' director of rugby.
Meanwhile, Cheetahs coach Hawies Fourie named five debutants in his line-up: Munier Hartzenberg, Friedle Olivier, Roelof Smit, Mzwanele Zito and Marko Janse van Rensburg.
Friday's game kicks off at 16:15.
Teams:
Cheetahs
15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Munier Hartzenberg, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Reinhardt Fortuin, 11 Enver Brandt, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Rewan Kruger, 8
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