Lions coach Dick Muir has recalled Carlos Spencer at flyhalf and named star scrumhalf Jano Vermaak on the bench for the Super 14 match against NSW.

Spencer returned to the No.10 position Wednesday after missing the Lions' defeat to the Brumbies with a pectoral muscle injury.

The former All Black is one of six changes to the starting lineup made by Muir following the 24-13 loss in Canberra.

Emerging Springbok scrumhalf Vermaak has recovered from the long-term injury that kept him out of action since late 2009. He flew into Sydney on Tuesday having proved his fitness in the Golden Lions' Vodacom Cup team in South Africa.

Wandile Mjekevu, Franco van der Merwe, Heinke van der Merwe and Hannes Franklin also returned to the starting 15.

Lions: Earl Rose, Tonderai Chavhanga, Walter Venter, Doppies la Grange, Wandile Mjekevu, Carlos Spencer, JP Joubert; Heinke van der Merwe, Hannes Franklin, Kevin Buys, Franco van der Merwe, Willem

Stoltz, Cobus Grobbelaar (c), Derick Minnie, Todd Clever.

Replacements: Charles Emslie, JC Janse van Rensburg, Jacques Lombaard, Robert Kruger, Jano Vermaak, Burton Francis, Wigan Pekeur.

Brought to you by AAP © 2024 AAP