Even without their Springboks, the Vodacom Bulls have managed to name an impressive line-up for their opening Vodacom United Rugby Championship match against Zebre Parma on Saturday.
The return of Sebastian de Klerk to the wing position must be highlighted, especially as Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus tipped him for a Bok call-up before he was injured last season and the winger will have a lot to play for this season.
With Willie le Roux at the back, and Stedman Gans partnering Harold Vorster in the midfield, Stravino Jacobs forms the rest of a backline that will be moulded around Curwin Bosh and Paul de Wet as halfbacks as the Bulls seek a strong start to their season.
New recruit Hanro Liebenberg, back from Harlequins, is back in blue as he joins Marcell Coetzee and Jeandre Rudolph in a rejigged back-row while Reinhardt Ludwig and Ruan Vermaak make up the engine room with Francois Klopper, Juann Else and Alulutho Tshakweni making up the front row.
Nizaam Carr,JF van Heerden, Cheswill Jooste and Hakeem Kunene are all key players on the bench for the clash.
Vodacom Bulls
match-day 23:
Starting
XV: 15. Willie le Roux, 14. Sebastian de Klerk, 13. Stedman Gans, 12. Harold Vorster, 11. Stravino Jacobs, 10. Curwin Bosch, 9. Paul de Wet, 8. Jeandre Rudolph, 7. Hanro Liebenberg, 6. Marcell Coetzee (captain), 5. Reinhardt Ludwig, 4. Ruan Vermaak, 3. Francois Klopper, 2. Juann Else, 1. Alu Tshakweni.
Replacements:
16. Janco Uys, 17. Dylan Smith, 18. Mornay Smith, 19. JF van Heerden, 20. Nizaam Carr, 21. Zak Burger, 22. Cheswill Jooste, 23. Hakeem Kunene