Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has made three changes to his team for their Super 14 showdown with the Highlanders in Palmerston North on Saturday.

The only enforced change is on the flank where Dewald Potgieter comes in for the suspended Deon Stegmann. The latter received a three-week ban for a spear tackle on All Black Conrad Smith in last week's win over the Hurricanes.

The other change to the Bulls pack will see Rayno Gerber start at tighthead prop in place of Werner Kruger, with the latter dropping down to the bench.

There is also a midfield change, with Springbok Jaco Pretorius returning to the starting XV in place of JP Nel — the latter also sitting on the bench on Saturday.

With Potgieter promoted to the starting XV, Jacques Burger has been called up to provide loose forward cover on the bench.

Ludeke said the decision to start with Pretorius this week is part of the team's "rotation policy" and the same applies to the front row change.

"We have two outstanding centres and Jaco [Pretorius] does bring something different to the game," Ludeke said.

"Rayno [Gerber][ has been eased in [after coming back from injury] in the last two weeks and he is coming along nicely.

"It also allows us to keep the front row forwards fresh. The Super 14 is a long, tough competition and this is a great way to keep players fresh."

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Jaco Pretorius, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Gerhard van den Heever, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Fourie du Preez (captain), 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Pedrie Wannenburg, 6 Dewald Potgieter, 5 Danie Rossouw, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 Rayno Gerber, 2 Derick Kuün, 1 Gürthro Steenkamp.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Werner Kruger, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 Jacques Burger, 20 Heinie Adams, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Jacobus Nel.

Date: Saturday, March 28
Venue: FMG Stadium, Palmerston North
Kick-off: 17.30 (04.30 GMT)
Referee: Vinny Munro (New Zealand)
Touch judges: Chris Pollock (New Zealand), Jonathan White (New Zealand)
TMO: Ben Skeen (New Zealand)

AFP

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