With his ban lifted, Schoeman was selected straight back into the Lions starting line-up on Friday by coach Ivan van Rooyen in place of Etienne Oosthuizen, partnering Darrien Landsberg in the second row.

In his absence, the Lions have lost three of their four URC games, including two Jukskei Derbies against the Bulls. The most recent of those was last Saturday’s 31-19 loss at Loftus.

Having had a chance to observe the Lions from the sidelines while banned, Schoeman has made some interesting observations.

“I think we make a lot of individual errors, discipline errors. We concede a lot of penalties. But it’s up to us to fix it,” he said.

“I think were trying to play an exciting brand of rugby, trying to keep the ball alive, be a bit dynamic in our attack. So, it’s exciting to look forward to on Saturday.”

The burly lock feels it will take a collective effort to counter the powerful Sharks pack.

“Just playing as a collective, especially when it comes to scrumming and mauling, the forwards need to pull together and do everything as a unit, because individually, we won’t be able to beat them,” he said.

“Work-rate is going to be massive for us on Saturday, especially for me: making your tackles, stopping momentum and also gaining momentum on attack.

“Positive ball carries, quick ball at ruck time... I think the little things are the big things. If you do them right, it’s going to be a good day.”

Former Blitzboks star JC Pretorius also makes a welcome return, slotting in at openside flank in place of Jarod Cairns after sitting out the Stormers and Bulls matches.

Star centre Henco van Wyk and fullback Quan Horn have been ruled out due to injury. Their absence will be heavily felt as they have been in sparkling form for the Lions. Centre Rynhardt Jonker returns on the bench, however.

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