Mnisi leads revamped Lions

Ackermann made 12 changes to the starting XV for Friday's home game against the Cavaliers – after his team unexpectedly lost 24-30 to Griquas last week.

Andries Coetzee comes in at fullback in place of Sylvian Mahuza, Selom Gavor starts on the right wing in place of Courtnall Skosan, Jacques Nel is at outside centre in place of Nicolaas Hanekom, one-time Springbok Marnitz Boshoff is at flyhalf in place of Jaco van der Walt and Dillon Smit is scrumhalf in place of Ross Cronje.

Howard Mnisi, one of just two backline players to retain their places, will captain the side.

The changes among the forwards will see Ruaan Lerm start at No.8 ahead of Ruan Ackermann, who moves to lock in place of Luvuyiso Lusaseni. Victor Sekekete is at flank in place of Cyle Brink, Martin Muller is the other lock and comes into the starting XV ahead of Lourens Erasmus, while Pieter Scholtz, Ramone Samuels and Corné Fourie make up a completely new front row – ahead of Jacques van Rooyen, Armand van der Merwe and Dylan Smith.

Steph de Wit is the only forward to retain his place in the starting XV, while Ackermann Jnr has shifted positions in the starting XV.

Robbie Coetzee, Dylan Smith, Cyle Brink and Ross Cronje have dropped down to the bench from the starting XV, while Kock Marx and John-Wessel Bell are also on the bench as cover for the outside backs.

Golden Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Selom Gavor, 13 Jacques Nel, 12 Howard Mnisi (captain), 11 Antony Volmink, 10 Marnitz Boshoff, 9 Dillon Smit, 8 Ruaan Lerm, 7 Victor Sekekete, 6 Steph de Wit, 5 Martin Muller, 4 Ruan Ackermann, 3 Pieter Scholtz, 2 Ramone Samuels, 1 Corné Fourie.

Replacements: 16 Robbie Coetzee, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Bobby de Wee, 19 Cyle Brink, 20 Ross Cronje, 21 Kock Marx, 22 John-Wessel Bell.

Date: Friday, August 26

Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg

Kick-off: 17.00 (15.00 GMT)

Referee: Rasta Rasivhenge

Assistant referees: Archie Sehlako, Pieter Maritz

TMO: JJ du Wagner