Lions coach John Mitchell has made three changes to his team, bringing back some senior players, for the Currie Cup front-runners' clash with the Griquas in Johannesburg this weekend.

Captain Joshua Strauss has finally recovered from his rib cartilage injury and will lead the team as they seek to continue their encouraging form which has got them a five point  lead over their nearest rivals on the standings. He replaces dynamic No.8 Warren Whiteley who takes his place on the bench.

Another loose forward who started in the 34-20 victory over the Pumas in Nelspruit but has not been able to make the starting line-up against Griquas is Michael Rhodes who makes way for the returning Derick Minnie and will be wartming the wood next to Whiteley.

The only change in the backline comes at outside centre where Doppies la Grange makes a return to the starting XV after a lengthy spell on the sidelines. He replaces Lionel Mapoe who left the field in the first half with a dislocated shoulder last week.

Kiwi fullback James Kamana also makes a return after a long injury lay off and was named on the bench.

The Lions destroyed the Griquas in Kimberley when the two sides met earlier in the season, but they will be wary of the free-running central outfit who have claimed some big scalps already yhtis season.

Lions: 15 Jaco Taute, 14 Deon van Rensburg, 13 Doppies la Grange, 12 Alwyn Hollenbach, 11 Michael Killian, 10 Elton Jantjies, 9 Michael Bondesio, 8 Joshua Strauss (captain), 7 Derrick Minnie, 6 Cobus Grobbelaar, 5 Franco van der Merwe, 4 Wikus van Heerden, 3 Patric Cilliers, 2 Bandise Maku, 1 JC Janse van Rensburg.
Replacements: 16 Martin Bezuidenhout, 17 Jacobie Adriaanse, 18 Johan Snyman, 19 Michael Rhodes, 20 Warren Whitely, 21 Burton Francis, 22 James Kamana.

Date: Friday, September 9
Venue: Coca-Cola Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.10 (17.10 GMT)
Referee: Mark Lawrence
Assistant referees: Lourens van der Merwe, Reuben Rossouw
TMO: JC Fortuin