The Leinster of SA? Genial Jannes' return makes Bulls seem far more like his beloved Exeter

Jake White might name drop Springbok stars like Handre Pollard, Jesse Kriel and RG Snyman as the men needed in the local system for the Bulls to become the Leinster of South Africa, but when Jannes Kirsten made his long-awaited return in the blue jersey a fortnight ago, an interesting reality emerged.

While the men from Loftus undeniably boast a squad rich in proven class and experience, the proverbial stardust is actually dusted thinly ... for now, at least.

Only Canan Moodie, Kurt-Lee Arendse and Marco van Staden are current national players receiving meaningful game time at the highest level, though there is a band of men knocking on that door.