Boeta Chamberlain will start at flyhalf for the Vodacom Bulls in the Vodacom URC derby against the Lions at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Chamberlain replaces Johan Goosen, who suffered a knee injury during the first half of last weekend’s Champions Cup win against Stade Francais at Loftus.
In other injury-forced changes to the match 23, Cobus Wiese replaces Ruan Vermaak in the second row and scrumhalf Keagan Johannes comes in for Zac Burger among the replacements.
In a rotational change, fit-again David Kriel replaces Stedman Gans at outside centre. He will partner Harold Vorster, who is set to earn his 50th URC cap against his former team, in midfield.
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The Bulls are also boosted by the return of Springbok fullback Willie le Roux, who is named on the bench alongside Canan Moodie.
Bulls coach Jake White said he expected a tough encounter against the Lions.
“Their signings have been good, they are a year older and they have been together longer with no significant player losses which makes them the more likely settled side out of the four franchises.
“They stay in the fight, they are good at everything, they will be at home and expect them to be fired up.”
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BULLS – 15 Devon Williams, 14 Sebastian de Klerk, 13 David Kriel, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Sergeal Petersen, 10 Boeta Chamberlain, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Cameron Hanekom, 7 Elrigh Louw, 6 Marcell Coetzee, 5 Ruan Nortje (c), 4 Cobus Wiese, 3 Wilco Louw, 2 Johann Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Subs: 16 Akker van der Merwe, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Francois Klopper, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Keagan Johannes, 22 Canan Moodie, 23 Willie le Roux.
Photo: Gordon Arons/Gallo Images