Cape Town - Former South African Under-20 hooker Malcolm Marx was the surprise selection when Lions coach Johan Ackermann named his Super Rugby team for Friday's clash against the Hurricanes in Johannesburg.
Marx, 20, was named in the Lions starting team for the clash, with Armand van der Merwe on the bench.
The Lions' No 1 hooker, Robbie Coetzee, is still recovering from the neck surgery that resulted in him being sent home from the Springbok tour squad last year.
Marx represented the Baby Boks at the Junior World Championship last year but sustained a knee injury in their second match which ruled him out for six weeks. He then returned to play for the Golden Lions in the Under-19 domestic competition.
Kick-off for Friday's clash at Emirates Airline Park is scheduled for 19:10.
Teams:
Lions:
15. Andries Coetzee, 14. Ruan Combrinck, 13. Lionel Mapoe, 12. Howard Mnisi, 11. Courtnall Skosan, 10. Marnitz Boshoff, 9. Ross Cronje, 8. Warren Whiteley (captain), 7. Derick Minnie, 6. Jaco Kriel, 5. Franco Mostert, 4. Martin Muller, 3. Ruan Dreyer, 2. Malcolm Marx, 1. Schalk van der Merwe
Substitutes: 16. Armand van der Merwe, 17. Corne Fourie, 18. Jacques van Rooyen, 19. Robert Kruger, 20. Warwick Tecklenburg, 21. Faf de Klerk, 22. Elton Jantjies, 23. Stokkies Hanekom
Hurricanes:
TBA