He replaces Pieter Jansen van Vuren, who sustained an injury last week during his return to the field.

Ruan Venter comes in as cover on the bench.

Lions coach, Ivan van Rooyen, said while is 'n tough blow for Jansen van Vuren, it's an opportunity fir Venter.

"I feel for Pieter. He worked so hard to come back from his knee injury he suffered on tour. We wish him a speedy recovery from this latest setback.

 "The opportunity now awaits Ruan, who's had a fantastic past few months, including a SA Rugby U20 Cup winner’s medal. He could possibly get his chance on Saturday.

 "Providing opportunities to young players is a common theme for us here at the franchise and it’s something we pride ourselves in."

"In the same breath, the entire squad buys into what we are trying to achieve in the URC , so everyone plays a key part towards that goal, concluded van Rooyen."

This URC game at Ellis Park in Johannesburg kicks off at 15:00.

At 17:05, the Sharks will host the Stormers at Kings' Park in Johannesburg.

Lions – 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (c), 11 Sibahle Maxwane, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Willem Alberts, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Sti Sithole.

Replacements - 16 Morné Brandon, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Ruhan Straeuli, 21 Sibusiso Sangweni, 22 Morné van den Berg, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport