Marius Louw returns as captain in a new-look midfield for the Lions against Western Province in the Currie Cup at Athlone Stadium on Friday.
Louw slots into the starting XV at inside centre alongside Rynhardt Jonker, with Manny Rass a late exclusion due to illness. Tyler Bocks takes the No 23 jersey on the bench.
Also, 13-Test-cap Springbok Andries ‘Boeboes’ Coetzee is set to make his 50th Currie Cup appearance.
STATE OF THE CURRIE CUP: Battle lines are drawn
In the forwards, Ruan Venter reclaims his familiar No 7 jumper as part of a dynamic loose trio with JC Pretorius and Francke Horn.
Hooker PJ Botha gets his first start of the campaign, as regular No 2 and skipper Jaco Visagie is rested.
Despite a 33-32 defeat to Jukskei rivals, the Vodacom Bulls, last week, the seventh-placed Lions collected two valuable log points and five points behind fourth-placed WP.
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