Jarod Cairns steps in as Lions confirm lineup for Ulster clash at Ellis Park

The Johannesburg side head into the match buoyed by their first victory of the season - a bonus-point win over the Scarlets at the same ground last weekend.

That triumph, however, came at a cost, with standout flanker JC Pretorius suffering a knee injury that will sideline him for an extended spell.

His absence opens the door for Jarod Cairns to start in the loose trio.

In other changes, Reinhard Nothnagel moves into the starting XV after featuring off the bench against the Scarlets, while Bronson Mills replaces Richard Kriel at inside centre to partner Henco van Wyk in midfield.

Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Eduan Keyter, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Bronson Mills, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Chris Smith, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn (captain), 7 Ruan Venter, 6 Jarod Cairns, 5 Reinhard Norhnager, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 2 Franco Marais, 1 SJ Kotze.

Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 RF Schoeman, 18 Conraad van Vuuren, 19 Darrien Landsberg, 20 Renzo du Plessis, 21 Layton Horn, 22 Gianni Lombard, 23 Kelly Mpeku.

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