Following a demanding five-match schedule, the Sharks have opted to rest most of their stars for Saturday's URC clash with Connacht in Galway.
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has handed former Sharks player Emile van Heerden his Lions debut against Munster in Cork on Friday.
After losing their last three matches in all competitions, the Bulls are determined to return to winning ways in Friday's URC encounter with the Dragons in Wales.
Round 11 of the United Rugby Championship set a new record overall attendance, with over 123 000 fans packing into stadiums.
Stormers scrumhalf Paul de Wet is looking to embrace the change in weather as the Cape Town men venture north for United Rugby Championship and Champions Cup clashes.
The Lions revealed their 29-man touring squad for their four-week tour of Europe.