The in-form Elrigh Louw has been ruled out of the Vodacom Bulls’ clash against the Dragons at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.

Bulls boss Jake White has made three changes to the starting XV, one forced by Louw returning a positive test for coronavirus. Former Springbok Arno Botha takes over from Louw at No 8 while fellow Bok Lionel Mapoe returns to outside centre for Cornal Hendricks, who drops to the bench.

Embrose Papier will run out at No 9 in place of Zak Burger, who will provide cover off the wood.

“This week we are up against a Dragons side that has welcomed back at least three of their internationals from Welsh duty, so that is a reflection of the strong team we will be facing,” said White.

“This is a side that is well-coached and has shown how dangerous they can be. They will be motivated to do well and begin their tour of South Africa on a positive note. We will need to be at our very best if we intend to stop this side that can pose a real challenge.”

Bulls – 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Madosh Tambwe, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Embrose Papier, 8 Arno Botha, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marcell Coetzee (c), 5 Ruan Nortje, 4 Walt Steenkamp, 3 Jacques van Rooyen, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Subs: 16 Joe van Zyl, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Mornay Smith, 19 Reinhardt Ludwig, 20 WJ Steenkamp, 21 Zak Burger, 22 Morne Steyn, 23 Cornal Hendricks.