Springbok Willem Alberts is set to start in the second row for the Lions in their Vodacom United Rugby Championship encounter against the Bulls on Saturday.

Alberts comes into the starting lineup in place of Pieter Jansen van Vuren, who suffered a pectoral muscle injury during training this week.

Alberts’ promotion from the bench sees 19-year-old Junior Springbok Ruan Venter, who recently completed matric, earn a call-up into the match-day squad for potential debut.

Elsewhere, Emmanuel Tshituka wears the seven jersey, with PJ Botha coming in at hooker for the injured Jaco Visagie.

Morne Brandon, Ruhan Straeuli and Sibusiso Sangweni complete the new additions to the replacements.

Commenting on his team selections, coach Ivan van Rooyen said:  “I feel for Pieter. He worked so hard to come back from his knee injury he suffered on tour.

“The opportunity now awaits Ruan, who’s had a fantastic past few months, including a SA Rugby U20 Cup winner’s medal. He could possibly get his chance on Saturday.”

“Providing opportunities to young players is a common theme for us here at the franchise and it’s something we pride ourselves in.

“In the same breath, the entire squad buys into what we are trying to achieve in the URC , so everyone plays a key part towards that goal.”

Lions – 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal (c), 11 Sibahle Maxwane, 10 Fred Zeilinga, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Emmanuel Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Willem Alberts, 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Carlu Sadie, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Sti Sithole.
Subs: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Morgan Naude, 18 Ruan Dreyer, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Ruhan Straeuli, 21 Sibusiso Sangweni, 22 Morne van den Berg, 23 Tiaan Swanepoel.