Johannesburg – Lions head coach Johan Ackermann has named his team to take on the Stormers at Ellis Park, making several changes to both the starting line-up and the bench.
In the forwards, Schalk van der Merwe, Robbie Coetzee and Julian Redelinghuys all start while Jaco Kriel returns from his minor groin injury at flank.
Meanwhile, in the backline, Faf de Klerk has been named at scrumhalf with Elton Jantjies partnering with him at flyhalf. Sampie Mastriet will play his first Super Rugby game for the Lions as he runs out at left wing.
Harold Vorster will also celebrate his first Super Rugby start at centre.
Most notably on the bench, Jaco van der Walt has been called up to cover the flyhalf position. He will celebrate his Super Rugby debut should he run on.
Kick-off is at 7.10pm.
Lions: Andries Coetzee, Ruan Combrinck, Lionel Mapoe, Harold Vorster, Sampie Mastriet, Elton Jantjies, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley (captain), Warwick Tecklenburg, Jaco Kriel, Martin Muller, Franco Mostert, Julian Redelinghuys, Robbie Coetzee, Schalk van der Merwe
Replacements: Armand van der Merwe, Corne Fourie, Ruan Dreyer, Robert Kruger, Derick Minnie, Ross Cronje, Jaco van der Walt, Howard Mnisi – Sapa