Following a demanding five-match schedule, the Sharks have opted to rest most of their stars for Saturday's URC clash with Connacht in Galway.
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen has handed former Sharks player Emile van Heerden his Lions debut against Munster in Cork on Friday.
Sharks talisman Siya Kolisi has confirmed he will join Racing 92 after the completion of the Rugby World Cup in France.
Sharks director of rugby Neil Powell admitted he was delighted with his team's 47-20 victory over the Bulls at Kings Park on Saturday, calling it an "important win".
The Sharks have selected a star-studded line-up for what should be a thrilling New Year's Eve URC derby against the Bulls at Kings Park.
The Lions suffered a number of injury setbacks during their 37-10 loss at the hands of the Sharks on Friday.