KEY MATCH-UPS

Andre Esterhuizen v Harold Vorster

Esterhuizen was in blockbusting form for the Sharks until he got whacked with a six-week suspension, while Vorster has made the most of the opportunity given to him by the injury to Rohan Janse van Rensburg and has been in sparkling form. Esterhuizen will be eager to make a big contribution after getting himself banned for a tip tackle.

Kobus van Wyk v Courtnall Skosaan

Van Wyk is one of the most under-rated wings in the country. He is a deadly finisher and a fierce competitor, and will be keen to make a statement. Skosaan has been in scintillating form and has bagged nine tries in the competition.

Cobus Reinach v Ross Cronje

Reinach is playing his last game at Kings Park (he is joining Northampton Saints) and would love to have a cracking game against the current Bok scrumhalf. Reinach was the Bok No 9 in 2014 but has been out of favour ever since.

Philip van der Walt v Jaco Kriel

Kriel deserves all the praise he is getting. He is a highly industrious flank and epitomises the Lions’ great team spirit. Van der Walt is no slouch either when it comes to work rate and he is one of those unfortunate players who don’t get the recognition they deserve. It is not for nothing that these two workhorses are the captains of their teams.

Thomas du Toit v Ruan Dreyer

While it is the backs who get all the glory, it is the forwards who set the foundation and with the Lions, their powerful scrum is built around tighthead Dreyer. He has been immense this season in consistently anchoring the Lions’ scrum. Young Du Toit has 127kgs of bulk at his disposal, but he needs to be technically correct against Dreyer. This will be a big test for the Tank Engine.