Lions wield a heavy axe

Among the forwards prop Jacques van Rooyen and flank Marnus Schoeman return to the starting XV, with Albertus Smith moving flank to No.8.

In the backline Aphiwe Dyantyi moves from outside centre to wing, which sees Harold Vorster return to the starting XV as Rohan Janse van Rensburg's midfield partner.

Ruan Combrinck returns on the right wing.

Six changes were also made to the bench - with the most notable the inclusion of Rhyno Herbst.

Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Ruan Combrinck, 13 Rohan Janse Van Rensburg, 12 Harold Vorster, 11 Aphiwe Dyantyi, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Nic Groom, 8 Albertus Smith, 7 Franco Mostert (captain), 6 Marnus Schoeman, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Lourens Erasmus, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Robbie Coetzee, 1 Jacques Van Rooyen.

Replacements: 16 Corne Fourie, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Jacobie Adriaanse, 19 Rhyno Herbst, 20 Hacjivah Dayimani, 21 Ross Cronje, 22 Madosh Tambwe, 23 Sylvian Mahuza.

Date: Saturday, May 26

Venue: Newlands, Cape Town

Kick-off: 17.15 (15.15 GMT)

Referee: Nick Briant (New Zealand)

Assistant referees: Quinton Immelman (South Africa), Stephan Geldenhuys (South Africa)

TMO: Christie du Preez (South Africa)