The duo's inclusion at blindside flank and replacement prop sets the stage for an expected battle of epic proportions amongst the forwards. The only other change sees flank Elrigh Louw shifting to the bench.
The top of the table clash between the current PRO14 Rainbow Cup SA frontrunners is a tantalising prospect and Vodacom Bulls Director of Rugby Jake White is expecting another tough tussle.
"We've had a few epic battles thus far and the Sharks will be keen to get one over us at Loftus as it is something they've yet to do," said White.
"The forward tussle is going to set the tone, while both backlines are brimming with relentless talent so it should make for an exciting but hard encounter."
Kick-off is scheduled for 18h15 with the match being broadcast live on SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby channels.
Vodacom Bulls: 15 David Kriel, 14 Madosh Tambwe, 13 Marco Janse van Vuren, 12 Cornal Hendricks, 11 Stravino Jacobs, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Duane Vermeulen (captain), 7 Arno Botha, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp. Replacements: 16 Schalk Erasmus, 17 Lizo Gqoboka, 18 Trevor Nyakane, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Elrigh Louw, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Chris Smith, 23 James Verity-Amm.
Match information
Date: Saturday, 15 May 2021
Time: 18h15
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Referee: Jaco Peyper
Assistant Referees: Griffin Colby, Paul Mente
Television Match Official: Marius van der Westhuizen
TV: SuperSport Grandstand and Rugby channels
