Highlanders coach Jamie Joseph has shaken up his forward pack, as both Joe Wheeler and Jamie Mackintosh come back into the starting side.
With Josh Bekhuis out of the side because of a damaged shoulder, the second row was always going to be changed.
Jarrad Hoeata goes into lock to partner Brad Thorn and Wheeler comes on to the blindside flank.
Wheeler started the season in that position but, after failing to fire in the opening few weeks, had been left out of the squad.
But he came off the bench last week and starts this week, with his height sure to be used against a powerful-looking Bulls lineout.
Mackintosh swaps places with All Black Tony Woodcock, as the Southland captain makes his first start for the side since April 12 against the Brumbies.
TJ Ioane has been replaced at No 8 by the fit-again Mose Tuiali'i.
Elliot Dixon remains on the bench. The backline remains the same as last week against the Kings.
Joseph may have been tempted to put Hayden Parker in the starting line-up after Colin Slade struggled with his goalkicking against the Kings.
But he has kept faith with Slade, hoping to find some accuracy and distance on the high veldt.
Five players in the side - Ben Smith, Shaun Treeby, Jarrad Hoeata, Chris King and Mackintosh - started for the Highlanders two years ago at Loftus Versfeld when the side beat the Bulls.