Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen names side to face Sharks

Meanwhile, in a new-look backline, Manuel Rass and Tapiwa Mafura start at outside centre and fullback respectively. This is due to injuries to regular starters Henco van Wyk and Quan Horn.

Changes in the second row sees Ruben Schoeman returning after serving his suspension, while centre Rynhardt Jonker returns on the bench.

Saturday will see both teams play in the school or club socks in celebration of the URC Origins Round.

Lions - 15 Tapiwa Mafura, 14 Richard Kriel, 13 Manuel Rass, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 JC Pretorius, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Juan Schoeman

Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 SJ Kotze, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Ruan Delport, 20 Sibabalo Qoma, 21 Nico Steyn, 22 Jarod Cairns, 23 Rynhardt Jonker

READ MORE: URC - Boks back on the bench for Sharks against Lions