Former Northampton Saints lock Juandre Kruger (pictured) will return to Currie Cup rugby for the Blue Bulls against the Free State Cheetahs at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
Kruger missed the Sharks clash last weekend due to a shoulder injury, but has recovered and has been included on the bench for this important clash. He replaces Berend Botha in a side that shows no other changes.
Coach Frans Ludeke says that he is was aware of the challenges the Cheetahs will throw at his team.
"This is a very important match for us. No team can afford to lose at home and we want to get back to our winning ways as soon as possible," Ludeke said.
"The Cheetahs always manage to bring the best out of the Blue Bulls and these clashes are normally very tight.
"It will be the same again and we will be looking at using our opportunities and not give points away easily." added Ludeke.
The Blue Bulls team is :
Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Gerhard van den Heever, Stephan Dippenaar, Stefan Watermeyer, John Mametsa, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Ruan Snyman, Gerrit-Jan van Velze, Derick Kuün, Deon Stegmann, Fudge Mabeta, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Werner Kruger, Gary Botha (c), Dean Greyling.
Replacements: Bandise Maku, Bees Roux, Juandre Kruger, CJ Stander, Danie Faasen, Francois Brummer, Hayden Groepes.
