Emile van Heerden, son of former Springbok Fritz, will make his debut for the Lions when the Joburg-based side take on Munster in a United Rugby Championship clash at Musgrave Park in Ireland on Saturday.
Van Heerden, 22, who previously played for the Sharks and Junior Boks, will form a loose trio with Jarod Cairns and Emmanuel Tshituka.
There are also other changes to the side beaten by the Stormers a week ago.
In the key, Ruan Venter partnered Darrien Landsberg, who previously played in the back row, while Stean Pienaar and Morne van den Berg started.
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On the bench, newly signed Michael van Vuuren will get his chance to make an impact.
Center Marius Louw will continue to lead the side without the injured Reinhard Nothnagel.
Musgrave Park
“Friday will be a good test for our guys against Munster,” scrum coach Julian Redelinghuys said.
“The Munster pack has come apart so Friday will be an exciting challenge for this team, especially the guys who will get the chance to perform.
“We all know you don’t grow when it’s easy, you grow when it’s hard and Friday will be tough, especially in conditions away from home.”
Playing at Musgrave Park in Cork will be a new experience for every Lions player, which will make the challenge just a little bit daunting.
“None of our current squad members have played there. Having said that, we tend to go for the new and the unknown, so this will definitely be one of them,” said Redelinghuys.
Kick-off is at 9.35pm on Saturday.
lion: Quan Horn, Stean Pienaar, Henco van Wyk, Mariuss Louw, Edwill van der Merwe, Jordan Hendrickse, Morne van den Berg, Emmanuel Tshituka, Emile van Heerden, Jarod Cairns, Darrien Landsberg, Ruan Venter, Asenathi Ntlabakanye, PJ Botha, JP Smith . Bench: Michael van Vuuren, Morgan Naude, Ruan Smith, Willem Alberts, Sibusiso Sangweni, Andre Warner, Gianni Lombard, Manuel Rass