Today’s line-ups at Loftus

Zane Kirchner, Akona Ndungane, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Bjorn Basson, Morne Steyn, Francois Hougaard, Dewald Potgieter (captain), Jacques Potgieter, Deon Stegmann, Grant Hattingh, Flip van der Merwe, Werner Kruger, Chiliboy Ralepelle, Dean Greyling. Replacements: Callie Visagie, Frik Kirsten, Morne Mellett, Paul Willemse, Jono Ross, Jano Vermaak, Jürgen Visser.

Jesse Mogg, Henry Speight, Tevita Kuridrani, Christian Lealiifano, Clyde Rathbone, Matt Toomua, Nic White, Ben Mowen (captain), George Smith, Peter Kimlin, Scott Fardy, Sam Carter, Ben Alexander, Stephen Moore, Scott Sio. Replacements: Siliva Siliva, Ruan Smith, Fotu Auelua, Colby Faingaa, Ian Prior, Andrew Smith, Joseph Tomane. to 2006, when they won 27-21 – though the Bulls finished above them in the log.

Potgieter said the Bulls needed to be accurate at the breakdown area against the two-time champion Brumbies.

“They are a world class team in terms of the breakdowns as they do not only have one or two players committing to this area, but every single player attacks the breakdowns,” he said.

“It is important for us to secure the ball and enable guys like Francois Hougaard and Jano Vermaak to control the ball behind the breakdown and set pieces.”

While the Bulls have introduced a few rookies this season, the side has a sufficient number of seasoned campaigners with the experience of playing knockout matches.

Potgieter said the core of senior players within the team brought some calm, ahead of the match, which made his task as captain slightly easier.

“The fact that it is a semi-final makes my job easier and the magnitude of the occasion is not lost on the players,” he said.

“It is almost more important to remain calm in everything you say, and through the way you