Cape Town - Bulls captain Pierre Spies says the nice thing about playing the Blues is that their playing style provides opportunities to counter attack.

And the men from Pretoria are renowned for their ability to pounce on the opposition's mistakes.

Spies told the Beeld newspaper the Blues are definitely one of the most potent attacking teams in Super Rugby, but they see it more as an incentive to strike back.

"They can hurt you in many ways. Their side are full of experience and guys like Piri Weepu and Ma'a Nonu, both World Cup winners, are also there.

"However, what I have learnt from my previous experiences against them is that they also allow you chances to play positive rugby," said Spies.

The two teams did not play each other last year, but the Aucklanders comfortably won their 2010 encounter at Eden Park.

"One writes those (past) seasons off, but one thing I can tell the guys is that it will be a true test of rugby.

"They are very physical, like to carry the ball and the fact that their kicking has improved, makes them a more well-rounded side.

"But once they start throwing the ball around it gives the defensive team chances to pile on the pressure and force errors," said Spies.

Teams:

Bulls:

15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Wynand Olivier, 12 Francois Venter, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Jano Vermaak, 8 Pierre Spies (captain), 7 Jacques Potgieter, 6 Deon Stegmann, 5 Juandré Kruger, 4 Flip van der Merwe, 3 Werner Kruger, 2 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 1 Dean Greyling
 
Substitutes: 16 Willie Wepener, 17 Frik Kirsten, 18 Wilhelm Steenkamp, 19 CJ Stander, 20 Ruan Snyman, 21 Louis Fouché, 22 JJ Engelbrecht

Blues:
TBA