Gordon will be given the honour of leading the Scots on to the field before tomorrow's showdown in Durban. But he will also take a second to divert his thoughts to McKenzie. McKenzie was forced to quit the game early after being warned that a neck problem could leave him crippled for life. That was the cue for Bulloch to launch his push for international recognition.
He said: "I am delighted and honoured to be picked for my 50th cap but I am sure I wouldn't have had nearly so many if Kevin had been around for longer.
"He was the guy who made me want to be a hooker. I had been playing flanker until I watched him play for Glasgow, when they beat Fiji at Hughenden. That game got me really interested in rugby and things just progressed from there. It was terrible the way things turned out for Kevin and I hope I have lived up to what he might have achieved.
"When he had to bow out there was no obvious heir. I made a push that year, came to South Africa and played in the three games we won, against Zimbabwe, Blue Bulls and Eastern Transvaal.
"That gave me a goal to get my first cap later in the year - against the Boks at Murrayfield."