The following from the Bulls camp: Leading Vodacom Bulls try scorer, Gerhard van den Heever, is back in the side that will take on the Stormers in the final of the Super 14 competition in Soweto on Saturday.

Van den Heever served a two week suspension due to a dangerous tackle and missed the semi-final clash against the Crusaders at the same venue last week and is the only change in the team from that game.

He replaces Jaco van der Westhuyzen, who drops to the bench in place of Stephan Dippenaar,  still leaving the Bulls with 13 players in the starting line-up who have won the Super 14 before. Van den Heever and fellow winger, Francois Hougaard, are yet to lift the coveted trophy, with Gary Botha part of the 2007 winning side.

Victor Matfield, who will lead the Bulls for a record 60th time, believes the experience should be an advantage.

“It is good to know that the guys have been there before, but we still need to convert that into pressure and make sure that we create and use opportunities,” Matfield said.

Coach Frans Ludeke also expressed his satisfaction at being able to pick his strongest line-up, but for the suspended Bakkies Botha, for this clash.

“The guys have worked very hard to get this far. We have created the opportunity to be part of something special, now we need to embrace it.”

The team for the final (with caps) is:

15. Zane Kirchner (39*) 14. Gerhard van den Heever (16) 13. Jaco Pretorius (26*) 12. Wynand Olivier (70**) 11. Francois Hougaard (15) 10. Morné Steyn (72**) 9. Fourie du Preez (98**) 8. Pierre Spies (55) 7. Dewald Potgieter (30*) 6. Deon Stegmann (38*) 5. Victor Matfield (108**) 4. Danie Rossouw (101**) 3. Werner Kruger (41*) 2. Gary Botha (72*) 1. Gurthrö Steenkamp (65**).

Replacements: 16. Bandise Maku (20) 17. Bees Roux (30) 18. Flip van der Merwe (18) 19. Derick Kuün (55**) 20. Jacques-Louis Potgieter (31) 21. Jaco van der Westhuyzen (53*) 22. Pedrie Wannenburg (112**).

  • *’s represent number of Super 14 titles

Notes:

  • Morné Steyn is the current Super 14 points records holder with 243 points in a season. He also holds the South African Super 14 points record (737).
  • Victor Matfield is the leading South African captain in Super 14 rugby. He will captain the Bulls for the 60th time.
  • Pedrie Wannenburg will play in his 112th  Super Rugby match, a Bulls record.