Fullback Courtney Winnaar will captain the EP Elephants against the Lions at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium as Pieter de Villiers wrung the changes in the wake of the 97-10 thrashing by the Bulls in the opening round of the preparation series.
De Villiers have made a total of 11 changes to his starting lineup in the hope that the incoming players can do a better job than their counterparts.
Karlo Aspeling will take the reigns at flyhalf in the place of injured captain Inny Radebe while the tight five undergoes a revamp with Athenkosi Khetani the only player to keep his spot. The experienced CJ Velleman will once again be a key figure for the Elephants at flank.
Eastern Province: 15 Courtney Winnaar (captain), 14 Qeutyne Oerson, 13 Athi Mayinje, 12 Sherwin Slater, 11 Christopher Hollis, 10 Karlo Aspeling, 9 Josh Alldermann, 8 Zingisa April, 7 Anele Lungisa, 6 CJ Velleman, 5 Arnold Kleyn, 4 Athenkosi Khetani, 3 Emile Klaassen, 2 Sithembiso Befile, 1 Siya Nzuzo. Replacements: 16 Robin Stevens, 17 Lyle Lombard, 18 Lupumlo Mgcuca, 19 Mncedisi Dlwengu, 20 Bevin Prinsloo, 21 Diego Williams, 22 Wian van der Sandt, 23 Riaan Arends.