By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Vodacom Bulls Johan Ackermann has named a 26-man touring squad featuring a potent blend of experience, high-profile off-season arrivals, and emerging local talent.
Curwin Bosch has been cleared to tour after suffering a calf injury against the All Blacks at Loftus on 15 August.
Bosch and youngster Viaan Mentoor are the two flyhalves in the touring party, with Paul de Wet, Zak Burger and Keagan Johannes the scrumhalf options.
Springbok fullback Willie le Roux is included among the outside backs along with Thaakir Abrahams, Cheswill Jooste, Sebastian de Klerk and Hakeem Kunene.
Harold Vorster, Stedman Gans and Demetri Erasmus provide midfield options, while Stravino Jacobs, who was trialled at inside centre during pre-season, has also made the trip.
Up front, Hanro Liebenberg is joined by experienced loose forwards Marcell Coetzee, Nizaam Carr and Jeandré Rudolph, as well as JJ Theron.
Ruan Vermaak, Jaco Grobbelaar, Reinhardt Ludwig and JF van Heerden are the four locks, with Alu Tshakweni, Sti Sithole, Dylan Smith, Francois Klopper, Mornay Smith and Khuta Mchunu the prop options, and Juann Else, Jon Hobson and Janco Uys the three hookers.
Bulls prepare to kick off their season against Zebre at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi on Saturday before travelling to Limerick to face Munster at Thomond Park.
Bulls touring squad
Forwards: Nizaam Carr, Marcell Coetzee (c), Juann Else, Jaco Grobbelaar, Jon Hobson, Francois Klopper, Hanro Liebenberg, Reinhardt Ludwig, Khuta Mchunu, Jeandré Rudolph, Sti Sithole, Dylan Smith, Mornay Smith, JJ Theron, Alu Tshakweni, Janco Uys, JF van Heerden, Ruan Vermaak.
Backs: Thaakir Abrahams, Curwin Bosch, Zak Burger, Sebastian de Klerk, Paul de Wet, Demetri Erasmus, Stedman Gans, Stravino Jacobs, Keagan Johannes, Cheswill Jooste, Hakeem Kunene, Willie le Roux, Viaan Mentoor, Harold Vorster.