Meshack Khotha
Meshack Khotha
The return of first-choice fullback Zane Kirchner will boost the Bulls in their Super 14 clash against the Waratahs in Sydney on Saturday.
Kirchner passed a late fitness test yesterday after picking up a gluteus muscle injury in their match against the Crusaders two weeks ago.
His presence in the starting line-up will solidify the backline after the Bulls succumbed to the Crusaders (16-13) and Highlanders (36-12) in recent matches.
Coach Frans Ludeke has also made a change at tighthead where Werner Kruger will start with Rayno Gerber dropping to the bench.
Ludeke is confident the youngster will be able to stand his ground against the Waratahs, who are strong scrummagers.
"It is going to be all about getting our basics right and whenever we do something we have to make sure our execution is 100percent," said Ludeke.
A win with a bonus point will enable the Bulls to leapfrog the third-placed Waratahs. The Bulls have collected 23 points from seven games, four points behind the Australians, with a game in hand.
Rest of the weekend's fixtures:
Tomorrow: Blues v Lions; Western Force v Hurricanes.
Saturday: Highlanders v Reds; Brumbies v Stormers; Cheetahs v Sharks.