Springbok World Cup-winning lock Victor Matfield returns to Super 14 action on Saturday when the Northern Bulls host the Stormers in Pretoria.

A key figure in the team that defeated England in Paris two years ago to lift the World Cup, Matfield injured his shoulder against the Queensland Reds and missed wins over the Blues and the Lions.

Bulls coach Frans Ludeke has placed Matfield on the bench and will use him as an impact player at Loftus Versfeld in the only southern hemisphere fixture South Africa stages this weekend.

Teenager Gerhard van den Heever comes in on the left wing for 2007 World Rugby Player of the Year Bryan Habana, who broke a hand against the Lions last weekend and will be out of action for at least three weeks.

After losing two of three home matches, Stormers coach Johan Erasmus has rung the changes with potential Bok fly-half Peter Grant and Fijian wing Sireli Nagelevuki among those downgraded to the substitutes bench.

Veteran Willem de Waal replaces Grant, former number eight Nick Koster comes in on the wing and another 'golden oldie', ex-Sharks lock AJ Venter, gets his first start this season.

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