The Lions include a fit-again Jordan Hendrikse at flyhalf for their Challenge Cup clash against the Dragons in Newport on Sunday.
Hendrikse has recovered from the ankle injury he picked up two weeks ago in the match against Munster in the United Rugby Championship. He took the place of Gianni Lombard.
It’s a must-win game on Sunday for Ivan van Rooyen and his men as they aim to finish in the top six of Pool B of the Challenge Cup ahead of the round of 16.
Again
Joining Hendrikse at half-back is Andre Warner, who got his chance ahead of Morne van den Berg.
Elsewhere, hooks Michael van Vuuren and PJ Botha swapped jersey numbers, with the former getting a chance in the starting XV.
Forwards coach Albert van den Berg said his side will be confident going into the match as they are unbeaten against the Dragons in their last three meetings in all competitions.
‘Be diligent’
“If you look at the last game, one of the things we can do is limit unforced errors and make decisions in the important moments,” Van den Berg said before the game.
“We usually play a lot but we don’t get points. So if we can change that, then we increase the chances of a positive result. The Dragons are a good team who have shown good improvement, so we have to be sharp on Sunday evening.
Kick-off at 3pm
lion: Andries Coetzee, Quan Horn, Henco van Wyk, Marius Louw, Edwill van der Merwe, Jordan Hendrikse, Andre Warner, Emmanuel Tshituka, Emile van Heerden, Jaco Kriel, Darrien Landsberg, Willem Alberts, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, Michael van Vuuren, JP Smith. Bench: PJ Botha, Morgan Naude, Ruan Smith, Pieter Jansen van Vuren, Ruhan Straeuli, JC Pretorius, Morne van den Berg, Rynhardt Jonker