Johan Goosen has replaced flyhalf Chris Smith, with director of rugby Jake White also recovering from a cold, in the Vodacom Bulls starting XV to face the Dragons on Friday night.

The Bulls released a statement on the eve of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship clash at Rodney Parade that Smith has come down with a cold and will remain at the team hotel to recuperate.

TEAM: Jake tweaks Bulls for Dragons duel

Goosen now slots into the No 10 jersey, with Bernard van der Linde coming into the matchday 23 on the bench.

White too, won’t travel with the team and his matchday duties will be shared among the coaching staff.

Bulls – 15 Kurt-Lee Arendse, 14 Canan Moodie, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 David Kriel, 10 Johan Goosen, 9 Izak Burger, 8 Elrigh Louw, 7 Cyle Brink, 6 Marco van Staden, 5 Ruan Nortje (c), 4 Ruan Vermaak, 3 Mornay Smith, 2 Johan Grobbelaar, 1 Gerhard Steenekamp.
Subs: 16 Bismarck du Plessis, 17 Simphiwe Matanzima, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Janko Swanepoel, 20 Nizaam Carr, 21 Embrose Papier, 22 Bernard van der Linde, 23 Cornal Hendricks.

Photo: Lee Warren/Gallo Images