Johannesburg – Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has made a single change to his starting XV for their Super Rugby clash with the Reds in Johannesburg on Saturday,
In the forward pack, Willie Wepener will start in place of the injured Robbie Coetzee, as Ackermann opts for consistency, following the Lions' narrow 39-36 victory over the Blues last weekend.
Meanwhile, on the bench, Mark Pretorius makes the jump into the Lions squad after performing well in the junior ranks, providing cover at hooker.
Another promising junior figure, Stephan de Wit, will also look to earn his first Super Rugby cap, starting from the bench.
This after Warwick Tecklenburg failed a concussion test this week.
Additionally, utility back Lionel Mapoe has recovered from his hamstring strain and will also provide cover on the bench.
Lions team: Coenie van Wyk, JW Jonker, Deon van Rensburg, Stefan Watermeyer, Courtnall Skosan, Marnitz Boshoff, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley (Captain), Willie Britz, Jaco Kriel, Franco van der Merwe, Franco Mostert, Julian Redelinghuys, Willie Wepener, Schalk van der Merwe.
Replacements: Mark Pretorius, Corne Fourie, Ruan Dreyer, MB Lusaseni, Stephan de Wit, Ross Cronje, Lionel Mapoe, Ruan Combrinck. – Sapa