Lions boss adheres to Boks' protocol
Jaco Kriel has recently been named in the Springbok squad for their three-Test series against France in June despite being out of action for a month.
Kriel's lack of game time is a huge concern for Springboks head coach Alister Coetzee, who requested Ackermann to give the flank more game time under the Boks' firm 'return to play protocol'.
Sunday's Super Rugby match will be the only opportunity for Kriel to get some valid match action as he gradually works his way back to his usual match temperament ahead of the June Test.
The other changes to the Johannesburg-based side are the inclusion of hooker Robbie Coetzee as part of the rotations system.
While in the backline, Faf de Klerk starts in the place of Ross Cronjé, who is attending his brother’s wedding this weekend.
Wing Ruan Combrinck gets another start after coming into the team at the last minute against the Bulls last weekend.
Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Lionel Mapoe, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Francois de Klerk, 8 Warren Whiteley (Captain), 7 Ruan Ackermann, 6 Albertus Smith, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Robbie Coetzee, 1 Jacques van Rooyen.
Replacements: 16 Malcolm Marx, 17 Johannes Jonker, 18 Lourens Erasmus, 19 Jaco Kriel, 20 Dillon Smit, 21 Jacques Nel, 22 Anthony Volmink/Sylvian Mahuza
Date: Sunday, May 28
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 14.30 (11.30 GMT)
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)
Assistant Referees: Egon Seconds (South Africa), Ben Crouse (South Africa)
TMO: Christie du Preez (South Africa)