Lock Juandré Kruger is back for the Vodacom Blue Bulls and ready to take on the Free State Cheetahs in an Absa Currie Cup match to be played at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Kruger missed the Sharks clash last weekend due to a shoulder injury, but has recovered from that and was included on the bench for this important clash. He replaces Bêrend Botha in a side that show no other changes.

Coach Frans Ludeke was very aware of the challenges the Cheetahs can throw at them.

“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.”

Team:

15 Jaco van der Westhuyzen, 14 Gerhard van den Heever, 13 Stephan Dippenaar, 12 Stefan Watermeyer, 11 John Mametsa, 10 Jacques-Louis Potgieter, 9 Ruan Snyman, 8 Gerrit-Jan van Velze, 7 Derick Kuün, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Fudge Mabeta, 4 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Gary Botha (c), 1 Dean Greyling.

Replacements: 16 Bandise Maku, 17 Bees Roux, 18 Juandre Kruger, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Danie Faasen, 21 Francois Brummer, 22 Hayden Groepes.