In fact Watson said a match against the Bulls could never be described as a friendly, even if it is just a warm-up match to get the cobwebs out the way ahead of the tournament proper.

Watson, speaking in an interview on the Stormers website, said a game against the Bulls would never be a friendly because the rivalry between the sides is too intense.

"These warm-up games don't count for much, but the Bulls will come out firing and we will come out firing. That is just the nature of games between the two sides, but we are looking forward to it," Watson said.

"The guys want to go out and enjoy it," he added.

Both teams have been rocked by injuries in the build-up to Saturday's showdown.

The Stormers revealed that winger Chumani Booi has been ruled out for the season after he sustained anterior cruciate ligament damage to his right knee in the practice session on Thursday morning in Bellville.

A MRI confirmed the diagnosis. The injury will require surgical intervention and rehabilitation is expected to be between five and seven months.

And Springbok Conrad Jantjes, signed from the Lions in the off-season, was drafted into the starting XV to face the Bulls. He will play on the right wing, replacing Egon Seconds who has a hamstring injury.

De Wet Barry will take Jantjes's place on the bench.

In another setback for the Stormers, Gerrie Britz had to withdraw from the squad after injuring his ribs in training. Britz's place on the bench will not be filled, as the Stormers have enough cover.

The news from the Bulls camp is a lot better.

Burly Springbok loose forward Pedrie Wannenburg, who injured a groin in training on Thursday, has been cleared to play.

Bulls team manager Wynie Strydom confirmed on Friday that Wannenburg's injury will not prevent him from taking to the field, after he was named at No.8 in the starting XV.

Replacement flank Derick Kuün injured his ankle at the same training session on Thursday, but he has also been cleared.

Burly midfielder JP Nel has also recovered from his groin injury and will take his place on the bench.

Marius Delport, drafted in as cover from the midweek team that beat Samoa in Polokwane, will start in the No.13 and Nel will get game time off the bench.

Bulls coach Heyneke Meyer has made it clear that he will be using the game for experimental purposes - which is why he is fielding a number of interesting combinations.

In the midfield he Meyer starts with Marius Delport and Springbok Wayne Julies (the latter signed in the off season from the Lions).

His halfbacks are Morné Steyn (at No.10) and another Lions import Nicholas Eyre at scrum-half.

The loose forward combination has Pedrie Wannenburg at No.8, with former Lions captain Wikus van Heerden (another off-season signing) and Danie Rossouw on the flanks.

Rossouw was a star at No.8 for the Boks on their year-end tour last year and it is interesting to note that Meyer will start with him on the flank. It would not be a surprise if he and Wannenburg swap places at some stage.

The lock combination of Victor Matfield and Francois van Schouwenburg will also be in the spotlight.

While the Bulls will focus on selections and combinations, the Stormers captain said the most important thing for his team to get the structures right.

"We want to get our structures right and our rhythm going. Thereafter it could be a different story, but we want to play our style of rugby and get our pattern right," Watson said.

He said the depth in the squad ensured tough competition for places this season.

"Yes, the guys are looking forward to the season and know there is competition for places. That is a healthy situation when players push each other for places."

The captain was glad to have Schalk Burger back in the team after the Springbok missed a big portion of last year's season due to a serious neck injury.

"I am very glad to have him back, it is fantastic. He is incredibly competitive and one of the best players in the world, so he obviously adds to our depth and lends more experience to the team."

Teams:

Vodacom Bulls: 15 Johan Roets, 14 Akona Ndungane, 13 Marius Delport, 12 Wayne Julies, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Morné Steyn, 9 Nicholas Eyre, 8 Pedrie Wannenburg, 7 Wikus van Heerden, 6 Danie Rossouw, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Francois van Schouwenburg, 3 Rayno Gerber, 2 Gary Botha, 1 Jaco Engels.
Replacements: 16 Chiliboy Ralepelle, 17 Wessel Roux, 18 Danie Thiart, 19 Adriaan Fondse, 20 Derick Kuün, 21 Anton Leonard, 22 Fourie du Preez, 23 Derick Hougaard, 24 JP Nel, 25 Rocco Jansen, 26 Stefan Basson

Vodacom Stormers: 15 Gio Aplon, 14 Conrad Jantjes, 13 Corne Uys, 12 Jean De Villiers, 11 Breyton Paulse, 10 Brent Russell, 9 Bolla Conradie, 8 Joe Van Niekerk, 7 Schalk Burger, 6 Luke Watson, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Selborne Boome, 3 Eddie Andrews, 2 Tiaan Liebenberg, 1 Schalk Ferreira.
Replacements: 16 Schalk Brits, 17 JD Moller, 18 Ross Skeate, 19 JP Joubert, 20 Naas Olivier, 21 Werner Greeff, 22 De Wet Barry, 23 Brok Harris, 24 Robbie Diack, 25 Pieter Louw.

Date: Saturday, 13 January
Venue: Loftus Versfeld, Pretoria
Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)
Referee: Craig Joubert (SARU)
Assessor: Theuns Naudé