New-look South Africa will be more than bomb squads and box kicks as they chase a three-peat.
Scarlets have announced the signing of Cheetahs hooker Marnus van der Merwe ahead of next season.
Rassie Erasmus has named 16 uncapped players in his 43-man squad that will assemble in March for a two-day 'alignment camp'.
There's a rather ironic twist to the named Strong Carling Champions Team, a fan voted composite side who will take on Italy A on Saturday at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium.
Former Munster back row Arno Botha is set to captain Jake White's Bulls as they take on the Phakisa Pumas in their final regular-season Carling Currie Cup match.