Fit Flip back for Bulls

Van der Merwe, who has recovered from a hip injury that saw him miss last week's 37-20 victory over the Lions, replaces Wilhelm Steenkamp in the second row.

Steenkamp drops to the bench and CJ stander falls out the match 22.

Spies said the return of a seasoned player like Van der Merwe gave his side a timely boost ahead of the crunch clash.

"You have to use every bit of experience and the players who have it must bring it to the fore," he said.

"It is important that it counts in your favour on the day.

"We have enough experience in the team and it is a great challenge to us as a group."

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke said his players were aware of the extent of the challenge they faced against one of Super Rugby's most successful sides.

"They are a good team, we respect them and we know their ability," Ludeke said.

"They have shown throughout the year on a number of occasions that if you allow them to get momentum they can make it difficult for you."

Teams:

Crusaders:

TBA

Bulls: 15 Zane Kirchner, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 JJ Engelbrecht, 12 Wynand Olivier, 11 Bjorn Basson, 10 Morne Steyn, 9 Francois Hougaard, 8 Pierre Spies (captain), 7 Dewald Potgieter, 6 Jacques Potgieter, 5 Juandre 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 Deon Stegmann, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Louis Fouche, 22 Francois Venter