Dobson made three changes and two positional switches among the backs with Damian Willemse starting at fullback in place of the injured Warrick Gelant, while Tim Swiel will start at flyhalf in a new halfback pairing with Godlen Masimla.

Ruhan Nel has been drafted into the starting line-up at outside centre for the first time this season and will link up in midfield with Dan du Plessis, who moves to inside centre.

The forward pack, meanwhile, remains unchanged.

Ruhan Nel is back in the midfield for DHL Western Province

David Meihuizen (lock), Marcel Theunissen (flank) and Paul de Wet (scrumhalf) are all back in the mix and have been included on an extended replacements bench.

“We know that we will have to be at our best for 80 minutes this weekend if we are going to get the result that we are looking for,” said Dobson.

“We have prepared well for this game and everyone is looking forward to the opportunity to show what it means to us to play for DHL Western Province.”

DHL Western Province: 15 Damian Willemse, 14 Seabelo Senatla, 13 Ruhan Nel, 12 Dan du Plessis, 11 Angelo Davids, 10 Tim Swiel, 9 Godlen Masimla, 8 Juarno Augustus, 7 Ernst van Rhyn, 6 Siya Kolisi (captain), 5 JD Schickerling, 4 Salmaaan Moerat, 3 Frans Malherbe, 2 Bongi Mbonambi, 1 Steven Kitshoff. Replacements (from): 16 Scarra Ntubeni, 17 Ali Vermaak, 18 Neethling Fouche, 19 David Meihuizen, 20 Marcel Theunissen, 21 Johan du Toit, 22 Paul de Wet, 23 Tristan Leyds, 24 Jaco Coetzee, 25 Kade Wolhuter, 26 Rikus Pretorius.

Match information – Xerox Lions v DHL Western Province
Date: Saturday, 5 December 2020
Time: 19h00
Venue: Emirates Airline Park, Johannesburg
Referee: Griffin Colby
Assistant Referees: Marius van der Westhuizen and Rasta Rasivhenge
TMO: Marius Jonker
TV: SuperSport Rugby and Grandstand