Bulls keen to blow away wayward Hurricanes

The Bulls could take another bold step towards the semi-finals in this year's Super 14 competition if they can repeat their feat of two years ago and beat the Hurricanes in Wellington on Saturday.

Heyneke Meyer's team have already achieved what was previously thought impossible - they have won three out of four matches on tour Australasia.

Saturday though, could well be the cherry on their touring cake if they can overcome last season's finalists and head home to Pretoria on a high.

The Hurricanes are in dire straits at the moment, having lost four in a row and have to overcome the fact that they only arrived home from the South African leg of their campaign at midnight on Tuesday and have only had one proper practice session before the match.

Still, there is something about playing at home that always seems to buoy a side like the Hurricanes and the impending return of Ma'a Nonu to the midfield will also be a massive boost for the team.

The Hurricanes have enough talent between them to blow most sides off the park if they find the right rhythm and this is the challenge that faces the Bulls.

This is where the Bulls will be looking to Meyer to keep their mental focus fresh. Meyer said that the team were nowhere near where they should be at the moment in terms of mental preparation - but predicted that by Saturday that this will not be a factor for the team anymore.

"We're not where we want to be at the moment. The guys are focused but we will be working hard on the mental side of things for this weekend especially as it is week five of the tour. I'm going to be involved and they will be ready for tomorrow's game," said Meyer.

Meanwhile the Hurricanes named All Black scrumhalf Piri Weepu at flyhalf for the clash, confirming comments made by coach Colin Cooper earlier in the week.

Weepu has been brought in to try and get the backline going, especially after the failure of regular flyhalves Jimmy Gopperth and Blair Stewart to do so.

Weepu's shift means that Alby Mathewson is back at scrumhalf while Ma'a Nonu replaces Tana Umaga in the backline. Shannon Paku takes over from Lome Fa'atau on the right wing.

Teams

Hurricanes: Cory Jane; Shannon Paku, Conrad Smith, Ma'a Nonu, Hosea Gear; Piri Weepu, Alby Mathewson; Rodney So'oialo (captain), Chris Masoe, Jerry Collins; Jason Eaton, Paul Tito, Neemia Tialata, Andrew Hore, John Schwalger. Reserves: Mahonri Schwalger, Anthony Perenise, Brad Mika, Luke Andrews, Jimmy Gopperth, David Smith, Tamati Ellison.

Bulls: Jaco van der Westhuyzen; Marius Delport, Frikkie Welsh, Wayne Julies, Bryan Habana; Derick Hougaard, Fourie du Preez; Pedrie Wannenburg, Hilton Lobberts, Danie Rossouw; Victor Matfield (captain), Bakkies Botha, Rayno Gerber, Gary Botha, Gurthro Steenkamp. Reserves: Jaco Engels, Danie Thiart, Francois van Schouwenburg, Wikus van Heerden, Heini Adams, Morne Steyn, Derick Kuun

Referee: Brett Bowden (Australia).

Kickoff: 7am (SA Time). TV: SuperSport