Bull rested: Saturday's news
Victor Matfield will not start for the Bulls against the Crusaders this weekend.
Bulls boss Heyneke Meyer has made the surprise decision to leave squad captain Victor Matfield on the bench for Saturday's trip to the Crusaders.
Matfield, a domineering force in the second row, has been rested by Meyer with Francois van Shouwenburg given the nod in Christchurch.
The skipper's armband will go to half-back Fourie du Preez as the Bulls look to put 10 points between themselves and the reigning champions in the Super 14 table.
Meyer's other change is enforced due to JP Nel's suspension, so Marius Delport comes in for his first start of the campaign.
Jaco van der Westhuizen continues at full-back in the absence of Johan Roets, whose place in the squad is taken by former Bath man Frikkie Welsh.
Meyer admits further late changes are still in the offing as Bryan Habana and Gary Botha fight hamstring injuries.
The Crusaders also make two changes as Robbie Deans continues to rotate his side following the heartbreaking 27-26 loss to the Sharks in Durban.
Andrew Ellis and Ben Franks are granted 'rests' on the Canterbury bench, with Kevin Senio and Wyatt Crockett called in at scrum-half and loosehead respectively.
Hamstring victim Rua Tipoki is still not ready to return despite a two-week recovery period, meaning teenage talent Tim Bateman continues to operate at 12.
Stephen Brett will be asked to orchestrate things from stand-off as the Crusaders refuse to rush their All Blacks stars back into action, although Rico Gear does appear on the wing.
The Stormers are able to recall full-back Brent Russell for their trip to Sydney to face the Waratahs this weekend.
Russell missed last week's 26-13 loss to the Brumbies due to concussion, but he will take Gio Aplon's place in the 22 after being cleared by doctors.
Coach Kobus van der Merwe's other alteration sees the timely return of Brok Harris to the front row, following his recovery from an ankle problem.
Harris comes in for Eddie Andrews, whose Australasian tour comes to an early conclusion courtesy of a broken nose.
Tommy Dixon is promoted to the 22 as cover, while Robbie Diack and Dyland Des Fountain are also involved at the expense of Francoise van der Merwe and Egon Seconds, who also returns home with a troublesome hamstring.
The Waratahs have opted for an all-Wallaby international centre-pairing at Aussie Stadium, with Morgan Turinui and Lote Tuqiri filling the midfield.
The duo will have Super 14 debutant Lachlan Turner outside of them, and Turinui revealed he is excited about the prospect of playing alongside Tuqiri.
"I play my best football in the centres and I'm looking forward to shifting closer to the action," he told Planet Rugby website.
"Both Lote and I love to run the ball so I think we'll form a solid partnership."
The back row also sees changes as David Lyons comes in for his first appearance at number eight, while Beau Robinson makes only his second start at openside.
Sam Norton-Knight switches to the wing to allow Josh Valentine to work off of the scrum, whi
