Conrad Jantjes will start at fullback for Western Province © Getty Images

Enlarge

Related Links

News: Griquas overhaul Sharks in thriller

Tournaments/Tours: Currie Cup

Teams: Blue Bulls | Free State | Golden Lions | Griquas | Leopards | Pumas | South Africa | Western Province

With the FIFA World Cup heading for a fascinating climax at Soccer City on Sunday, thoughts in South Africa will soon be turning to the Springboks' Tri-Nations bid and the fierce combat which always accompanies the Currie Cup.

The Blue Bulls reigned supreme last season in adding the domestic title to the Bulls' Super 14 crown, and the double is on again for the men from Loftus Versfeld. The champions, along with Western Province, will feel the sting of Springbok selection more than most, with many of their leading lights ruled out until the semi-final stage, but there is quality in reserve.

The Bulls' tilt begins at home, with the newly-promoted Pumas the visitors to Pretoria. Gary Botha leads the Bulls for the first time since 2006 after returning from Harlequins. The hooker is one of three Springboks in the side, with lock Flip van der Merwe and fullback Jaco van der Westhuyzen both starting. Former Northampton second-row Juandre Kruger starts on the bench.

Jacques-Louis Potgieter starts at No.10 for the Bulls, having faced them in last season's final in the colours of Free State. His former team-mates have a tough ask in week one, with Western Province making the trip to Bloemfontein. Lock Anton van Zyl has taken the reins for the Cape Town side this season and will want to carry on the momentum generated by the Stormers' impressive Super 14 campaign.

At fullback there is a welcome return for the away side, with Springbok Conrad Jantjes fit to return after a long lay-off with a broken leg. Duane Vermeulen and Pieter Louw bring plenty of experience to the back-row while up front there is the complete Stormers front-row, Wicus Blaauw, Tiaan Liebenberg and Brok Harris.

For the Cheetahs there is good news as skipper Juan Smith returns on the bench, with Hendro Scholtz taking the No.6 jersey and armband from the opening whistle. Louis Strydom wears No.10 and faces off against Willem de Waal.

The Leopards begin another season at Premier Division level on Friday at home to the Golden Lions. With the most miserable of Super 14 seasons behind them, the Lions need to put down a marker early on. Western Force coach John Mitchell has been seconded for the season and Carlos Spencer is blooding himself as backs coach, meaning that there is quality behind the scenes and youth in the starting XV.

Seven players will make their debuts for the Lions at Currie Cup level and 20-year-old rookie Martin Bezuidenhout is named at hooker following surgery for Charles Emslie and injury to Hans van Dyk. Jano Vermaak is joined by Herkie Kruger at halfback while former Griquas skipper Jonothan Mokuena starts at No.8. The Leopards will again be skippered by back-rower Wilhelm Koch and fullback Russell Jeacocks and fly-half Cecil Dumond are back in action after solid seasons last time out.

The Sharks finished top of the pile last season only to fall in the semi-finals and they kick-off their campaign against the tournament's surprise package, Griquas in Kimberley. The loss of Mokouena will be keenly felt by the hosts but they hit the ground running in last weekend's 50-point warm-up rout of the Eagles.

The Sharks can herald a shock return at fly-half, with former Perpignan pivot Steve Meyer starting despite announcing his retirement prior to the Super 14 season. He is partnered by Rory Kockott, while skipper Stefan Terblanche starts at outside-centre. The former Springbok's place at fullback is taken by Patrick Lambie, fresh from helping the Baby Boks to the semi-finals of the IRB Junior World Championship in Argentina.