In the pack, Dempsey’s inclusion in the middle of the back-row sees Matt Fagerson shift to openside in place of Angus Fraser, while Gregor Brown comes in at blidside for the benched Euan Ferrie, Scott Cummings replaces the benched Alex Samuel in the second-row, and Jamie Bhatti makes his first appearance since the end of September at loose-head prop in place of Patrick Schickerling.
“We know we must be at our best this weekend, as we look to finish the first block of fixtures on a high,” said Smith.
“The Bulls possess one of the strongest and deepest squads in the URC; they are consistent in the quality of performances they produce, and their track record – including reaching three of the first four URC Finals – shows the calibre and quality of squad they have at their disposal.
“We know we must be at the right level physically and mentally in order to meet their challenge tomorrow night.”
Meanwhile, the visitors have made eight changes to the side which achieved a one-point victory over Connacht last time out, including returning Springboks Marcell Coetzee and Ruan Nortje, who will add muscle and leadership with the latter appointed captain.
Glasgow Warriors (v Vodacom Bulls @ Scotstoun Stadium, on Saturday, kick-off 7.45pm GMT): J McKay; K Steyn ©, S McDowall, S Tuipulotu, K Rowe; A Hastings, G Horne; J Bhatti, J Matthews, M Walker, M Williamson, S Cummings, G Brown, M Fagerson, J Dempsey. Replacements: S Stephen, N McBeth, S Talakai, A Samuel, A Craig, E Ferrie, B Afshar, D Lancaster.
Vodacom Bulls: W le Roux; S de Klerk, D Kriel, J Serfontein, S Jacobs; K Johannes, E Papier; G Steenekamp, J Grobbelaar, M Smith, C Wiese, R Nortje ©, M Coetzee, R Ludwig, J Rudolph. Replacements: J Else, E Janneke, F Klopper, J Theron, N Xaba, P de Wet, S Gans, K Arendse/
Unavailable for selection: Rory Darge (knee), Zander Fagerson (knee), Gregor Hiddleston (ankle), Huw Jones (ankle), Duncan Munn (shoulder), Charlie Savala (knee), Grant Stewart (foot), Tavi Tuipulotu (knee), Sione Vailanu (knee).