Johannesburg – Golden Lions interim coach Johan Ackermann made three changes to the side for the Western Province Currie Cup match at Ellis Park on Saturday.
Hooker Bandise Maku makes his return after missing the entire Super Rugby season due to a serious pectoral muscle injury.
He replaces Callie Visagie, who is nursing a few bruised ribs.
Playmaker flyhalf Elton Jantjies returns to the side after he was released from the Springbok squad to tour Argentina and Butch James moves to centre, replacing Waylon Murray who sustained a knee injury last weekend against the Sharks.
On the bench, Martin Bezuidenhout replaces Francois du Toit as back-up hooker, while Deon Helberg will take the place of Guy Cronje as utility back.
Lions team: Andries Coetzee, JR Esterhuizen, Lionel Mapoe, Butch James, Anthony Volmink, Elton Jantjies, Michael Bondesio, Warren Whiteley, Joshua Strauss, Cobus Grobbelaar, Franco van der Merwe, Hendrik Roodt, Jacobie Adriaanse, Bandise Maku, JC Janse van Rensburg (captain). Replacements: Martin Bezuidenhout, CJ van der Linde, Willie Britz, Jaco Kriel, Ross Cronje, Deon Helberg, Ruan Combrinck. – Sapa