Lions coach John Mitchell has included playmaker flyhalf Elton Jantjies in the team to take on the Southern Kings in a warm-up match in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.
Jantjies missed the side’s first pre-season match against the Stormers at the end of January due to injury.
Butch James, who was the pivot against the Capetonians, will play off the bench.
The long-term injury to regular hooker Bandise Maku has opened the door to former Maties captain Callie Visagie who will receive a starting berth.
James Kamana replaces Michael Killian on the wing, while Doppies le Grange moves to outside centre in the place of Lionel Mapoe. Alwyn Hollenbach plays on his inside.
Lions team: Jaco Taute, Deon van Rensburg, Doppies la Grange, Alwyn Hollenbach, James Kamana, Elton Jantjies, Michael Bondesio, Joshua Strauss (captain), Derick Minnie, Cobus Grobbelaar, Ruan Botha, Hendrik Roodt, Patric Cilliers, Callie Visagie, JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: Francois du Toit, Jacobie Adriaanse, Stephan Greeff, Doppies le Roux, Tian Meyer, Butch James, Lionel Mapoe.