Basson, who holds the record for most Currie Cup tries in a season, has been released by the Springboks for this match and will start on the left wing, where he replaces Sampie Mastriet.

It is one of four changes to the backline. Clayton Blommetjies rotates with Jurgen Visser at fullback for his first start of the season, while Ulrich Beyers is fit again and will start ahead of Waylon Murray. At flyhalf, Tony Jantjies replaces injured Handrè Pollard.

Vodacom Blue Bulls coach Pine Pienaar also recalled his most experienced lock, Wilhelm Steenkamp to the starting pack and a fit-again Werner Kruger will start at tighthead, with Frik Kirsten on the bench. Bandise Maku also makes a first start this season.

Regular Vodacom Blue Bulls Under-21 hooker, Jaco Visagie, has been included on the bench and could make his debut if called upon.

Pienaar admitted that his side is approaching this match as a play-off.

“We have to. If we lose, it will become very, very difficult to make the top four, it is as simple as that. We know we are a better team than this, but we need to prove it to ourselves and our fans. So this is a make or break weekend for us.”

The team to play the MTN Golden Lions at Ellis Park is: Clayton Blommetjies, Akona Ndungane, Ulrich Beyers, Francois Venter, Bjorn Basson, Tony Jantjies, Rudy Paige, Jono Ross (c), Jacques du Plessis, Wiaan Liebenberg, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Paul Willemse, Werner Kruger, Bandise Maku, Morné Mellett. Replacements: Jaco Visagie, Frik Kirsten, Grant Hattingh, Jacques Engelbrecht, Lohan Jacobs, William Small-Smith, Jurgen Visser.

Basson terug vir Vodacom Blou Bulle

Die terugkeer van Springbok Bjorn Basson vir die Vodacom Blou Bulle voor Saterdag se Absa Curriebekerwedstryd teen die MTN Goue Leeus in Johannesburg is ‘n hupstoot vir die span.

Basson, die rekordhouer vir drieë in ‘n Curriebekerseisoen, is vir die wedstryd vrygestel deur die Springbokke en speel vleuel in die plek van Sampie Mastriet.

Nog skuiwe agterlangs is Ulrich Beyers in Waylon Murray se plek en Clayton Blommetjies wat op heelagter begin en Jurgen Visser wat bank toe skuif. Tony Jantjies speel losskakel in die beseerde Handrè Pollard se plek.

Die Vodacom Blou Bulle-afrigter, Pine Pienaar het ook sy mees ervare slot, Wilhelm Steenkamp ingetrek in die beginspan. Werner Kruger en Bandise Maku is ook in die opdrafspan, met die haker wat vir die eerste keer opdraf.

Die Vodacom Blou Bulle Onder-21’s se gereelde haker, Jaco Visagie is as plaasvervanger gekies en kan sy Curriebeker debuut maak as hy speelkans kry.

Pienaar erken dit is maak of breek.

“Hierdie wedstryd sal bepaal of ons die uitspeelstryd gaan haal. Ons is ‘n beter span as wat die puntelys weergee en dit is iets wat ons aan onsself en ons ondersteuners wil bewys.”

Die span wat teen die MTN Goue Leeus in Johannesburg speel is: Clayton Blommetjies, Akona Ndungane, Ulrich Beyers, Francois Venter, Bjorn Basson, Tony Jantjies, Rudy Paige, Jono Ross (k), Jacques du Plessis, Wiaan Liebenberg, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Paul Willemse, Werner Kruger, Bandise Maku, Morné Mellett. Plaasvervangers: Jaco Visagie, Frik Kirsten, Grant Hattingh, Jacques Engelbrecht, Lohan Jacobs, William Small-Smith, Jurgen Visser.