Cohen Jasper replaces Clayton Blommetjies while Malcom Jaer returns from injury in the place of Rosko Specman who has a sprained ankle.

Robert Ebersohn will start at outside centre with David Brits moving to the bench.

Upfront, Jeandré Rudolph starts on the side of the scrum while Wilmar Arnoldi starts at hooker and Cameron Dawson returns from injury start at loosehead prop.

The Cheetahs coach, Hawies Fourie, told OFM Sport that it’s good to have Dawson back.

“It was a pity that he got injured during the Toyota Challenge last year, but it's good to have him back.

“Schalk Ferreira did well for us in the three previous games. He is getting a rest, not that anyone is tired because we only play every second week.

“We felt that Cameron is ready to go and we are giving him a start. It's good to have him back in the fold.”

Saturday’s game at the Toyota Stadium kicks off at 17:00.

Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 Robert Ebersohn, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Malcolm Jaer, 10 Siya Masuku, 9 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8 Mihlali Mosi, 7 Jeandré Rudolph, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekekete, 4 Aidon Davis, 3 Marné Coetzee, 2 Wilmar Arnoldi, 1 Cameron Dawson.

Replacements – 16 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Beertjie van Vuuren, 19 Ockie Barnard, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Reinhardt Fortuin, 23 David Brits.

Lions - 15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 James Mollentze, 12 Tyler Bocks, 11 Divan Rossouw, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Jurich Claasens, 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 Simon Dinisio, 4 Lunga Ncube, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye (captain), 2 PJ Botha, 1 JP Smith

Replacements - 16 Dameon Venter, 17 Banele Mthenjane, 18 Chergin Fillies, 19 Izan Esterhuizen, 20 MJ Pelser, 21 Ginter Smuts, 22 James Tedder, 23 Luke Rossouw.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport