Cape Town - The Lions will be without the services of three players when they face the Highlanders in Dunedin on Saturday.
Injury has forced Harold Vorster (knee) and Fabian Booysen (eye lid) out of the clash against the defending champions while Lionel Mapoe will also return home to be at his girlfriend's side for the birth of their baby.
Jacques Nel (centre) will fly out to join the squad in Rotorua.
The Lions have won their first two games in this year's Super Rugby competition, defeating the Sunwolves and the Chiefs.