In the other clash the Toyota Cheetahs take on Section Paloise in France.

Fresh from a home victory last week in the Vodacom URC, the focus now shifts to the EPCR Challenge Cup, where the Johannesburgers will look to stamp their authority in what will be a historic occasion for the franchise and its supporters.

Earlier this week, Emirates Lions coach Ivan van Rooyen spoke about his squad selection ahead of what will be a testing eight weeks for his troops in their respective competitions.

“We’ve rotated and rested a few guys in recent games,” said Van Rooyen. “We saw Jaco Kriel make a comfortable return to play after a long injury last week.

“It’s pleasing to know that we have a relatively healthy squad with no new injuries. These next two weeks at home will be an ideal opportunity to subtly rotate the squad especially looking at the spine of the squad.”

Due the magnitude of the EPCR Challenge Cup, it’s a dream for any player to be part of such a historic occasion. However, Van Rooyen believes squad management is key.

“If we’re honest about the bigger picture in terms of the number of games ahead, the core group will be involved in both international competitions,” he said.

Of course, for some of these players it will be nice to play in our first EPCR Challenge Cup game, but hopefully we can get close to the playoffs and have everyone available at that juncture. Ultimately, it’s about balancing the bigger picture and being part of this historic occasion.”

Centre Rynhardt Jonker makes his debut for the Emirates Lions off the bench, while experienced fullback Andries ‘Boeboes’ Coetzee returns in concert with Edwill van der Merwe and Rabz Maxwane at the back. Zander du Plessis gets a starting opportunity at inside centre alongside Sango Xamlashe. 

Kick-off is at 12h45 and the match will be broadcast live on SuperSport.

Emirates Lions: 15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Rabz Maxwane, 13 Sango Xamlashe,12 Zander du Plessis, 11 Edwill van der Merwe, 10 Gianni Lombard, 9 Andre Warner, 8 Emmanuel Tshituka, 7 Darrien Landsberg, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Reinhard Nothnagel (captain), 4 Ruben Schoeman, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 PJ Botha, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements: 16 Jaco Visagie, 17 JP Smith, 18 Asenathi Ntlabakanye, 19 Ruan Venter, 20 Sibusiso Sangweni, 21 Sanele Nohamba, 22 Jordan Hendrikse, 23 Rynhardt Jonker.