Monday 1 August 2016 14:35, UK
The Lions have included influential captain Warren Whiteley in their squad for Saturday's Super Rugby final against the Hurricanes.
The No 8 has played just 54 minutes since injuring his shoulder against Ireland in June and missed the Lions' fantastic 42-30 semi-final victory over the Highlanders.
His return to the team would be a major boost for head coach Johann Ackermann, who values his all-action style and leadership qualities highly.
Utility back Sylvian Mahuza has also been added to the 23-man squad while scrum-half Ross Cronje returns in place of the Dillon Smit.
The Lions are appearing in their first Super Rugby final and are seeking to become the first South African winners of the competition since the Bulls claimed the last of their three titles in 2010.
The team departs for Wellington on Sunday evening and Ackermann admits the decision to send a second-string team to a routine assignment in Argentina could come back to haunt him.
With the Lions having already clinched a play-off berth, Ackermann took a gamble in the last match of the regular season against Los Jaguares by resting his regulars.
They were beaten 34-22 in Buenos Aires and ceded top spot in the standings to the Hurricanes.
"I'll probably have to live with the team selection for Buenos Aires. Either way this team backs me," Ackermann said.
"Will we make the wrong decision sometimes? Yes. But we'll always go down trying."
The Lions suffered one home defeat this season when the Hurricanes handed them a 50-17 thumping at the end of April, romping home with seven tries.
"They beat us here with 50 points so we know they're a quality side. But the final will be just another game," Ackermann said.
"The guys are familiar with the flight [to New Zealand]. Hopefully they'll settle in quickly and find their feet."
