There is a definite sense of unfinished business in the Bulls camp as they prepare for a bumper new season.
The Lions cemented top spot on the Currie Cup table with an away win over the Bulls while Griquas beat the Cheetahs in Kimberley.
The Cheetahs secured a 26-19 victory against Western Province in round six of the Currie Cup, extending their unbeaten streak in a match heavily impacted by rain and poor visibility.
Saturday's Currie Cup action saw the Sharks pick up their first win of the season over the Lions, before the Bulls mounted a superb second-half fightback to down Western Province.
The Bulls have bid farewell to flyhalf Chris Smith who moves on at the end of his contract to join French side Oyonnax.
Bulls boss Jake White is delighted that his co-captain Ruan Nortje has been called up to South Africa's Rugby Championship squad and has no doubt of the value he will add to the Springbok camp.