The starting team named by Ivan van Rooyen is unchanged from last week's side announced for their clash against Cardiff, which was postponed due to the emergence of a new variant of COVID-19.

The Lions coach made one change on the bench though, with experienced Springbok prop Jannie du Plessis included amongst the replacements in what will be his first outing since their youngest son tragically drowned a few weeks ago.

Du Plessis comes into the match-23 following the withdrawal of fellow-Springbok prop Ruan Dreyer due to an injury concern.

Van Rooyen expressed his disappointment after not having played last week’s match, but praised his troops for their positive spirit this week as they prepare for the local derby.

“We’re quite pleased that an arrangement was made by SA Rugby and the URC for local games to be played this weekend after last week’s uncertainty,” said Van Rooyen.

“Despite a change in opposition, we have prepared well and made the mental shift ahead of the match down in Cape Town on Saturday."

Emirates Lions: 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (captain), 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Jannie du Plessis, 19 Willem Alberts, 20 Ruhan Straeuli, 21 Morne van den Berg, 22 Matt More, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.

Match information:
Date: Saturday, 4 December
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
SA Time: 17h00
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
TV: SuperSport