Jaco Kriel will make his return from a long-term injury when the Lions travel to Bloemfontein to take on the Cheetahs in a Currie Cup match on Wednesday.

Kriel, who has previously captained the Lions, will make his 51st appearance for the Joburg-based side when he takes the field.

The loose forward has been out since last year after undergoing surgery on his ankle.

In another change, Emmanuel Tshituka makes his injury comeback from the bench.

The final change to the team that was victorious against Griquas in Kimberley last week is Junior Springbok Henco van Wyk making his debut.

The exciting centre, who scored two tries in the Lions U20 opening match against the Bulls U20, will be making his first Currie Cup appearance from the bench.

Lions – 15 Duncan Matthews, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Rabz Maxwane, 10 Jordan Hendrikse, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn (c), 7 Ruhan Straueli, 6 Sibusiso Sangweni, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole.
Subs: 16 PJ Botha, 17 Nathan McBeth, 18 Carlu Sadie, 19 Emmanuel Tshituka, 20 Jaco Kriel, 21 Ross Cronje, 22 Fred Zeilinga, 23 Henco van Wyk.

Photo: Gallo Images