Read: We will give it our best shot
The Crusaders leave for Johannesburg on Tuesday via Sydney, leaving them with only one training session ahead of the clash.
With this in mind, head coach Todd Blackadder will be relying heavily on his experienced campaigners to get them past a strong Lions outfit. One of those campaigners will be captain Kieran Read.
"We have to give it our best shot, put everything out there," Read told stuff.co.nz
The Crusaders will be without star wing Nemani Nadolo for clash after the Fijian international pulled a hamstring during his team's 10-35 loss to the Hurricanes in Christchurch.
Crusaders squad:
Forwards: Wyatt Crockett, Alex Hodgman, Mike Alaalatoa, Owen Franks, Codie Taylor, Ben Funnell, Sam Whitelock, Luke Romano, Scott Barrett, Jimmy Tupou, Matt Todd, Jordan Taufua, Kieran Read (captain).
Backs: Andy Ellis, Mitchell Drummond, Leon Fukofuka, Richie Mo'unga, David Havilli, Kieron Fonotia, Jone Macilai, Johnny McNicholl, Ben Volavola, Ryan Crotty, Israel Dagg, Jack Goodhue.
