Springbok duo Papier, Hendricks named in Bulls starting XV for Benetton clash

Springboks Embrose Papier and Cornal Hendricks return to the Bulls starting XV for Saturday's United Rugby Championship clash against Italian outfit Benetton.

Papier comes in for Zak Burger at scrumhalf, and Hendricks replaces Harold Vorster at inside centre in the only changes to the starting XV that lost 19-17 to the Stormers in Cape Town on 9 April.

Papier missed the Bulls' previous two matches after sustaining concussion against the Dragons. Burger provides scrumhalf cover off the bench, as Keagan Johannes drops out of the match-day squad.

Hendricks, who started on the bench against the Stormers, will partner Lionel Mapoe in midfield as Stedman Gans is roped in as a replacement.

The match will also provide an opportunity for the Bulls' most recent signing, prop Dylan Smith, to make his team and URC debut from the bench.

Another change to the bench sees the return of hooker Jan-Hendrik Wessels from injury.

?? TEAM ANNOUNCEMENT ?? Here is your Vodacom Bulls team to take on Benetton at Loftus tomorrow ??Tickets from R25, grab yours from TicketPro NOW! ??@Vodacom #URC pic.twitter.com/hSA8xFaWIP

"We are expecting a tough match against Benetton this weekend, as we found when we faced them in the final of the Rainbow Cup last year," said Bulls director of rugby, Jake White.

"They are a good side that has had some good wins against strong teams such as the Stormers and Edinburgh, among other wins this season. They will also be full of confidence with a full complement of their international players who were involved when Italy beat Wales not too long ago in the Six Nations.

"We will need to be at our best to counter a dangerous team like Benetton."

Saturday's match at Loftus Versfeld kicks off at 14:00.

15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan