The weekend marks a major moment as Springbok scrumhalf Morne van den Berg prepares to run out for his 100th international appearance for the Johannesburg team. Affectionately known as "Krappie", the nuggety half-back made his debut in 2019 and has since developed into one of the Lions' most influential players, earning national honours along the way.
The Lions also welcome back fellow Springboks Ruan Venter and Asenathi Ntlabakanye, who return to the matchday squad after missing the clash against the Stormers.
Amongst the backs, a positional switch from centre to left wing for Erich Cronje, replacing the injured Kelly Mpeku. Speedster Angelo Davids occupies the opposite wing after an impressive showing against the Stormers last time out.
Fresh from securing the SA Shield, head coach Ivan van Rooyen believes plenty still needs to be done towards the bigger goal which is a play-off spot for his side. The Lions mentor, looking ahead to Saturday, believes the battle up front will be a telling one, setting the tone for this encounter, also bearing in mind that future Lion Boan Venter will be eager to give his future employers a taste of what's to come.
"We are really proud of winning the SA Shield, but our work's not done yet," van Rooyen tols the Lions' website.
"In the last few seasons, we were dependent on other results going our way to qualify.
"We definitely feel we need to be more consistent in the scrums. Boan has done really well over the past year, for Edinburgh and the Boks. I think he will want to prove a point on Saturday before he joins us next season."
On the bench, van Rooyen has opted for power and late-game intensity, calling on Batho Hlekani, Renzo du Plessis, and Haashim Pead, among others, to make an impact off the bench in the second half.
The fixture marks the first of four consecutive home games for the Lions as they push to secure a play-off position before travelling to Ireland for their remaining fixtures of the competition.
Kick-off at Ellis Park is at 14:45.
Lions - 15 Quan Horn, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.
Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Batho Hlekani, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Richard Kriel.
A milestone weekend and a timely return headline a packed round of United Rugby Championship action, with several Springboks set to make a major impact across the competition.
Makazole Mapimpi will earn his 100th cap for the Sharks against international competition when they host former United Rugby Championship winners Munster at Kings Park on Saturday.
Stormers' stalwarts Seabelo Senatla and Dan du Plessis are set to run out in the blue and white hoops against Dragons RFC at DHL Stadium on Sunday.
The Bulls have made several tactical adjustments to the side that faced the Stormers last week as they look to get their United Rugby Championship campaign back on track against Cardiff on Friday.
