In the midfield, Alwyn Hollenbach comes in at inside centre while Stefan Watermeyer shifts to 13, due to the injury sustained by Lionel Mapoe.
On the bench, MB Lusaseni is primed to make his Super Rugby debut. JW Jonker will provide cover as a utility back.
The Lions team is: Chrysander Botha, Deon van Rensburg, Stefan Watermeyer, Alwyn Hollenbach, Ruan Combrinck, Marnitz Boshoff, Faf de Klerk, Warren Whiteley (captain), Derick Minnie, Jaco Kriel, Franco van der Merwe,Franco Mostert, Julian Redelinghuys, Robbie Coetzee, Schalk van der Merwe.
Replacements: Willie Wepener, Jacques van Rooyen, Ruan Dreyer, MB Lusaseni, Warwick Tecklenburg, Ross Cronje, JW Jonker, Coenie van Wyk.
– Sapa