With Kriel back for his 39th Currie Cup match for the Lions, Kwagga Smith drops to the bench while Martin Muller also returns from injury in the place of MB Lusaseni while Mullers’ lock partner Franco Mostert is also back.
Ross Cronjé and his Springbok halfback partner Marnitz Boshoff also makes a welcome return.
Scrumhalf Cronjé replaces Lohan Jacobs. Flyhalf Boshoff runs out in the place of Jaco van der Walt, who moves to the bench.
In other changes Robbie Coetzee returns to the fray at hooker in a rotational move which sees Malcolm Marx take up the number 16 jersey and Ruan Dreyer is at tighthead.
Courtnall Skosan comes in for the injured Anthony Volmink at wing in the only other change to the starting line-up.
The Golden Lions Rugby Union has secured tickets for supporters and Park and Ride busses have been arranged. R120 will buy a Park & Ride ticket, entry into the game and a GLRU flag. Limited seats are available. Busses will depart from Ceder Square, East Rand Mall and Cresta Shopping Centres at 16:30. Book at www.parkandridesa.com.
Xerox Lions (Currie Cup caps for Lions in brackets):
Jacques van Rooyen (26)
Robbie Coetzee (23)
Ruan Dreyer (30)
Martin Muller (15)
Franco Mostert (16)
Jaco Kriel (38, c)
Stephan de Witt (5)
Fabian Booysen (3)
Ross Cronje (30)
Marnitz Boshoff (22)
Courtnall Skosan (13)
Howard Mnisi (17)
Stokkies Hanekom (15)
Ruan Combrinck (26)
Andries Coetzee (27)
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