Wandisile Simelane and Sbu Nkosi are both set to make their Vodacom Bulls debuts in the Vodacom United Rugby Championship opener against the Lions on Saturday.

Simelane was among the seven new signings at the Bulls, making the short trip across the Jukskei from the Lions.

The 24-year-old could play at outside centre, wing or fullback against his former side when Jake White on Thursday names the team to take on the Lions in Johannesburg.

“Wandisile came here with the other guys six weeks ago, and we’ve had a great time together,” backline coach Chris Rossouw told IOL Sport.

“I think he fitted in quite nicely – very exciting runner with the ball – and he knows what his goals are for this season. But in terms of fitting in with the Bulls, it’s a perfect fit for us and we are looking forward to what he can do for us.”

Nkosi underwent ankle surgery before arriving at the Bulls earlier this year, but it looks likely that he will be involved in some capacity on Saturday.

“I think he is on his way there, so let’s see how the team looks. He played last week, when we played each other, he had a full game,” said Rossouw. “He came through that perfectly, so I think he will probably be up for selection.

“In terms of getting to his full best, we all know coming back from injury, it takes a few games. But we are very happy with where he is at the moment.”

This weekend’s game will, however, be too soon for Johan Goosen to play. The Springbok flyhalf has been out for over a year, but could return to the field next weekend.

“With Johan, he has been injured probably just past a year now. He is training this week. He had two weeks where he had a little bit of downtime – he had some responsibilities with the URC, when he had to go to Doha, so he couldn’t train with us for one week,” Rossouw said.

“So, he is coming into the mix, and I think it will probably be soon when he is ready for selection.”

Photo: Johan Rynners/Gallo Images