The former Cheetah, Zeilinga, is plying his trade at the Lions these days and will start in the game in Johannesburg.

Fortuin will start the match with Siya Masuku deputising off of the bench.

Fortuin told OFM Sport that Zeilinga is a handful on the park.

“I'm really grateful to get another start for the Cheetahs and looking forward to the opportunity.

“Regarding the battle against Fred - I think he is a quality player. He is a really tough guy on the field, so I'm looking forward to battling it out with him.”

While still at the Cheetahs, Zeilinga, was selected for the South Africa 'A' team for two unofficial Tests against the French Barbarians. In those two matches he contributed 18 points.

Friday evening's game at Ellis Park kicks off at 19:00. In the weekend's other games, the Sharks tackle the Pumas at 16:45 this afternoon in Durban, and tomorrow at 17:00 the Bulls host the Griquas at Loftus Versfeld.

Lions - 15 Tiaan Swanepoel, 14 Boldwin Hansen, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Manuel Rass, 11 Stean Pienaar, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 André Warner (captain), 8 Jarod Cairns, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 Cal Smid, 4 Lunga Ncube, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 JP Smith.

Replacements - 16 Morné Brandon, 17 Heiko Pohlmann, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Junior White, 20 Lindo Ncusane, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Luke Rossouw, 23 Ilunga Mukendi.

Cheetahs - 15 Cohen Jasper, 14 Daniel Kasende, 13 David Brits, 12 Frans Steyn, 11 Duncan Saal, 10 Reinhardt Fortuin, 9 Ruan Pienaar (captain), 8 Mihlali Mosi, 7 Jeandre Rudolph, 6 Gideon van der Merwe, 5 Victor Sekeke, 4 Aidon Davis, 3 Aranos Coetzee, 2 Marnus van der Merwe, 1 Cameron Dawson.

Replacements - 16 Chucky van der Westhuizen, 17 Alulutho Tshakweni, 18 Marne Coetzee, 19 Ockie Barnard, 20 Andisa Ntsila, 21 Rewan Kruger, 22 Siya Masuku, 23 Robert Ebersohn.

Morgan Piek/OFM Sport