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Jaco cracks the nod for Bulls

Johannesburg - With Springbok lock Bakkies Botha unavailable due to a four-week suspension, Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has opted to leave the pack unchanged while making two backline changes from the starting side that beat the Crusaders a fortnight ago for Saturday's Super 14 semi-final at Orlando Stadium against the same opposition.

The newcomers to the side that beat Crusaders 40-35 are Jaco van der Westhuyzen on the right wing in place of the suspended Gerhard van den Heever, and Springbok centre Jaco Pretorius at outside centre in place of Jacques-Louis Potgieter.

Wynand Olivier, who was on the outside in his last outing, will move back to his preferred position at inside centre.

"It was an easy choice," said Ludeke. "Jaco has been our first choice all season and is 100% fit."

Pretorius' selection also adds a good measure of experience to the side that is further increased with the selection of Van der Westhuyzen.

Ludeke has opted for five forwards on the bench. This luxury was made possible with winger Francois Hougaard, who has already played at scrumhalf in a Test match, in as cover at halfback.

Pretorius' return means that Potgieter, who had a very good game at inside centre against the Crusaders, moves to the bench.

Captain Victor Matfield plays his 100th Super rugby match for the Bulls on Saturday after having also represented the Cats. He was upbeat about the semifinal.

"We had a good rest and feel refreshed," the big lock said in referring to last Saturday's match when the Bulls rested 14 of their top players against the Stormers.

"We're all very excited and ready for the match. The change of stadium won't affect us. At Loftus we also practice on the B-field.

"The fact that it will be a packed-out stadium (in Soweto) makes this a real home game for us."

Ludeke, meanwhile, said no decision had been taken about the suspension of Botha but intimated that there would be no appeal.

"It was a very detailed hearing. All we ask is that the playing grounds are the same for all players," Ludeke said.

Bulls team:
Zane Kirchner, Jaco van der Westhuyzen, Jaco Pretorius, Wynand Olivier, Francois Hougaard, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Pierre Spies, Dewald Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Victor Matfield (captain), Danie Rossouw, Werner Kruger, Gary Botha, Gurtrho Steenkamp. Substitutes: Bandise Maku, Bees Roux, Flip van der Merwe, Derick Kuun, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Stephan Dippenaar, Pedrie Wannenburg.

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