WIllem Alberts back at lock as Lions take on Stade Francais at Ellis Park

Springbok Willem Alberts is back at lock for the Lions as they take on Stade Francais Paris on Friday in their Challenge Cup encounter at Ellis Park.

Alberts will face his former team, who he spent five seasons with in Paris. He pairs up with Pieter Jansen van Vuren, who also makes a return to the starting XV.

"We are fortunate to have both Willem and Andre who have played for Stade Francias. Their input has been valuable during the week so we look forward to capitalising on that intel," said Lions backline and attack coach, Ricardo Loubscher.

The Lions are fresh off a 31-31 draw against Dragons RFC at the same venue last week Saturday in the opener of the European competition.

SA Rugby Young Player of the Year nominee for 2022 Henco van Wk returns from suspension while Quan Horn slots into the left wing position.

The Lions and Stade Francais will clash for the first time.

"If you look at the Top 14 league, Stade Francias are well in the top four of the log, so we expect a very good side coming here on Friday night," continued Loubscher.

"Their kicking game is one designed to put teams under pressure, forcing one to make mistakes, so we'll be prepared for that from a discipline point of view.

"Furthermore, they have a brilliant attacking game, good runners and a ten who is an outstanding goal-kicker coupled with a big boot. In saying that, we expect an exciting game from a team who can counter-attack from anywhere.

"Our preparations have been good this week, with most of it in wet weather as we expect similar conditions on Friday."

Meanwhile, prop Ruan Dreyer was not considered due to injury.

Kick-off is at 19:30.

Team:

Lions           

15 Andries Coetzee, 14 Edwill van der Merwe, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Marius Louw, 11 Quan Horn, 10