Lions welcome back Springbok duo Marx & Whiteley

Springbok duo Malcolm Marx and Warren Whiteley are a welcome return to the Lions' as the Johannesburg side approach the knockout stages of the Super Rugby tournament.

Beaten finalists for the last two seasons, head coach Swys de Bruin will be hopeful of going a step further with his talented squad over the coming weeks.

Whiteley and Marx played a SuperSport challenge game with the Golden Lions and both came through the fixture unscathed following extended spells on the sidelines.

Lionel Mapoe and Cyle Brink are also available for selection ahead of the South African derby with the Sharks on Saturday.

Ruan Dreyer, Ross Cronje, Kwagga Smith, Courtnall Skosan, Andries Coetzee and Ruan Combrinck are other Springbok options available for the coaching staff as the Lions attempt to wrap up the South African conference.

Long term absentees Rohan Janse Van Rensburg and Jaco Kriel will be the only two regular Lions starters who will not be available.