URC: PJ Botha earns 100th Lions cap in Connacht clash

The highlight of the weekend is hooker PJ Botha running out for his 100th match for the Lions across all international club competitions. The 28-year-old Hoerskool Monument old boy, often the unsung hero of the Lions' pack, has enjoyed a decade of experience at the franchise.

"When I was still at school, I thought it would be nice to maybe play one or two matches for a franchise in an international competition," he joked.

"To now reach 100 is incredible. The time has flown. It's a privilege for me to reach this milestone, and I'm grateful that it will happen in a home match."

Meanwhile, coach Ivan van Rooyen has made four changes, one of them positional, which sees Springbok Ruan Venter join the second row in place of Etienne Oosthuizen, who is nursing a niggle. Junior Springbok behemoth Batho Hlekani is elevated from the bench to take Venter's place at flank.

Also speaking ahead Saturday's clash against Stuart Lancaster's men was Lions scrum guru Julian Redelinghuys, who upon comparison, pointed out that Connacht had a similar approach to Glasgow Warriors, who the Lions mauled 54-12 almost a week ago.

"We know what they will bring. We know their game model," said Redelinghuys.

"It's not easy to defend or attack against it, but if we do what we need to do well, I am sure there will be opportunities."

In other team news, Morne Brandon returns to the match day squad, offering impact from the bench. Also in the mix is Siba Qoma who provides second row cover.

With the league phase firmly poised for a grandstand finish, the remaining games will decide play-off places and home advantage, not to mention Champions Cup qualification. The visitors - who are on a six-win streak - will fancy their chances on the Highveld against a Lions outfit who have played an exciting brand of rugby in recent weeks.

Kick-off at Ellis Park is at 16:00.

Lions - 15 Quan Horn, 14 Angelo Davids, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Ruan Venter, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.

Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Edward Davids, 18 Sebastian Lombard, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Nico Steyn, Kelly Mpeku.