The nomadic second-five has shifted around the country at Super Rugby level in recent years after being axed from the Hurricanes by then-coach Mark Hammett amid a clear out four years ago.
But Nonu has returned under new coach Chris Boyd and after missing last week's 22-8 win over the Lions as he awaited the birth of his third child, the All Black is ready to go this weekend.
It means that last Saturday's man of the match, Rey Lee-Lo, drops out of the squad and can't even find a place on the bench. There are few other changes to the Hurricanes with Callum Gibbins coming in at openside flanker as Ardie Savea moves to the bench.
Tighthead prop Jeffery Toomaga-Allen returns to the reserves after being a late scratching against the Lions due to his knee.
Meanwhile, No 8 Pierre Spies has returned to lead a powerful Bulls pack who will be smarting after being upset 29-17 at home by the Stormers last weekend.
Hurricanes: Jason Woodward, Cory Jane, Conrad Smith (c), Ma'a Nonu, Julian Savea, Beauden Barrett, TJ Perenara, Blade Thomson, Callum Gibbins, Brad Shields, James Broadhurst, Mark Abbott, Ben Franks, Dane Coles, Reggie Goodes. Reserves: Brayden Mitchell, Jeffery Toomaga-Allen, Chris Eves, Ardie Savea, Victor Vito, Chris Smylie, James Marshall, Matt Proctor.
Bulls: Jesse Kriel, Bjorn Basson, JJ Engelbrecht, Jan Serfontein, Francois Hougaard, Handre Pollard, Piet van Zyl, Pierre Spies (c), Lappies Labuschagne, Deon Stegmann, Victor Matfield, Jacques du Plessis, Trevor Nyakane, Adriaan Strauss, Morne Mellet. Reserves: Callie Visagie, Dean Greyling, Grant Hattingh, Hanro Liebenberg, Rudy Paige, Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Jurgen Visser, Dayan van der Westhuizen.
NZME.
