Batho Hlekani starts at 7 in Lions team for crucial Stormers derby at Ellis Park

Venter has been ruled out after showing delayed concussion symptoms following last weekend's 34-22 bonus-point victory over the Sharks. Meanwhile, Asenathi Ntlabakanye - also a Bok - misses the clash due to a family bereavement.

RF Schoeman steps into the front row in place of Ntlabakanye, while former Junior Springbok Hlekani earns a starting role on the side of the scrum in place of Venter.

Hlekani slots in alongside captain Francke Horn and Siba Mahashe, who made a strong impression in his recent outing. The rest of the tight five remains unchanged, with Darrien Landsberg and Etienne Oosthuizen continuing in the second row.

The backline that delivered against the Sharks remains intact, with Quan Horn at fullback, Kelly Mpeku and Angelo Davids on the wings, and the midfield combination of Henco van Wyk and Bronson Mills retained. Chris Smith and Morne van den Berg continue as the halfback pairing.

On the bench, the Lions have opted for a six-two forwards-to-backs split to mirror the Stormers' approach, suggesting a physical battle could unfold in the latter stages.

Conrad van Vuuren provides front-row cover, while the return of powerful loose forward Siba Qoma from injury bolsters the impact stocks. Nico Steyn is included among the replacements and offers versatility at both scrumhalf and flyhalf.

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Morne van den Berg, 8 Francke Horn (capt), 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Darrien Landsberg, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 RF Schoeman, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze.

Replacements: 16 Franco Marais, 17 Eddie Davids, 18 Conrad van Vuuren, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Siba Qoma, 21 Renzo du Plessis, 22 Nico Steyn, 23 Erich Cronje

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