Marx unleashed on Chiefs

There are also three changes to the bench.

The most significant change will see young Malcolm Marx starting at hooker, alongside another former King Edward scholar Dylan Smith in a brand new front row.

Marx, at 21, and Smith, a year older, are rated as two of the most promising players coming through the ranks.

In the only backline change Harold Vorster will partner Lionel Mapoe in midfield, with Howard Mnisi moving to the bench.

Armand van der Merwe, back with the Lions after a stint in French club rugby during the off-season, will provide cover at hooker from the bench.

Next to him on the bench is Corné Fourie, while Fabian Booysen will make his Super Rugby debut should he get a run.

Booysen replaces Ruan Ackermann as the utility forward on the bench, a decision taken before the team went on tour.

* Meanwhile the red and white Lions jersey will sport the blue and white colours of the Els for Autism Foundation in its numbers on the back in support of golfer Ernie Els, an international ambassador of the Lions.

Els has been an avid Lions supporter since childhood and in turn the Golden Lions Rugby Union will support the Els for Autism organisation as one of their charities.

"As a proud supporter of the Lions, I am thrilled to be working with the union to raise awareness for autism," said Els, who has won four golf majors.

"I just cannot wait to see how the special jerseys will look on the field.

"These kids with autism need our help and I am so happy to have these great players and role models supporting the cause. I want to personally wish MY team, the Lions, a hugely successful Super Rugby season ahead."

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 Warwick Tecklenburg, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Franco Mostert, 4 Andries Ferreira, 3 Julian Redelinghuys, 2 Malcolm Marx, 1 Dylan Smith.

Replacements: 16 Armand van der Merwe, 17 Corné Fourie, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Robert Kruger, 20 Fabian Booysen, 21 Jaco van der Walt, 22 Howard Mnisi, 23 Rohan Janse van Rensburg.

Date: Saturday, March 5

Venue: FMG Stadium Waikato, Hamilton

Kick-off: 17.15 (06.15 SA time; 04.15 GMT)

Referee: Andrew Lees (Australia)

Assistant referees: Nick Brian (New Zealand), Angus Mabey (New Zealand)

TMO: Aaron Paterson (New Zealand)