Lions v Western Force: Teams

The Lions have made three changes to their starting line-up for Saturday's Super Rugby contest against the Western Force in Johannesburg.

Jaco Taute will make his return to the starting line-up at full-back in the place of James Kamana who is serving a three-match suspension for a dangerous tackle in last week's 25-20 victory over the Cheetahs.

In midfield Waylon Murray moves from outside to inside centre in the place of the injured Doppies La Grange which means Jannie Boshoff will earn his first start in the number 13 jersey this season.

On the bench former Leopards stalwart Deon van Rensburg slots into the position left vacant by Taute.

Lions coach John Mitchell also decided to retain the services of Rory Kockott at scrum-half ahead of Jano Vermaak.

Western Force coach Richard Graham has made just one change to his run-on side with experienced prop Tim Fairbrother returning to the front row.

Fairbrother was a late withdrawal against the Blues but has trained fully this week and will take the place of Matt Dunning at tighthead prop after the 45-times capped Wallaby suffered an ankle injury in last weekend's draw in Perth.

"Tim was probably two days short of playing against the Blues. He has trained well throughout the week so it was an easy decision to make bringing him back in," Graham said.

"We also know we have Kieran Longbottom ready to go in the front row and he is playing some really good rugby and will definitely get time during this game."

The only other change comes in the reserves as big lock Tom Hockings returns from a knee injury suffered in the pre-season, after gaining valuable match time with the Western Force 'A' last weekend.

Players have trained both days after landing in Johannesburg on Wednesday and adjusted quickly to the issues of playing on the Highveld.

"Definitely there are challenges but I think the important thing is to prepare as if you are at home, prepare consistently and don't make it an issue," Graham said.

"We've taken the necessary steps to acclimatise and we're feeling good heading in to the game."

Inspirational Western Force captain Nathan Sharpe will add yet another significant milestone to his outstanding career when he equals the all-time Super Rugby match record of 136 games held by George Gregan.

"It certainly says a lot about the way Nathan prepares himself and his durability in the game," Graham said.

"Nathan has been at the Western Force since our inception, he is a wonderful leader and outstanding servant to Australian rugby and I think it is only fitting that a guy like him is set to equal a mark set by another great Australian player.

"We look forward to him going on to become the most capped player in the competition's history."

Lions: 15 Jaco Taute, 14 Lionel Mapoe, 13 Jannie Boshoff, 12 Waylon Murray, 11 Michael Killian, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Rory Kockott, 8 Warren Whitely, 7 Joshua Strauss, 6 Derick Minnie, 5 Franco van der Merwe (c), 4 Wikus van Heerden, 3 Patric Cilliers, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 Kevin Buys, 18 Michael Rhodes, 19 Cobus Grobbelaar, 20 Jano Vermaak, 21 Burton Francis, 22 Deon van Rensburg.

Western Force: 15 Cameron Shepherd, 14 Alfie Mafi, 13 Nick Cummins, 12 Gene Fairbanks, 11 David Smith, 10 James O'Connor, 9 Brett Sheehan, 8 Ben McCalman, 7 Matt Hodgson, 6 Richard Brown, 5 Nathan Sharpe (c), 4 Sam Wykes, 3 Tim Fairbrother, 2 Ben Whittaker, 1 Pek Cowan.
Replacements: 16 Nathan Charles, 17 Kieran Longbottom, 18 Tom Hockings, 19 Tevita Metuisela, 20 James Stannard, 21 Matt Brandon, 22 Pat Dellit.