The match kicks off at 16h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Kriel has been out of action since late October due to personal reasons, and his experience and physical presence will add to a forward pack which shows three changes from their last outing.
Kriel – who replaces MJ Pelser - joins Len Massyn (No 8) and Vincent Tshituka (flanker) in the loose trio, while Willem Alberts will partner up with Marvin Orie in a Springbok lock pairing, in place of Ruben Schoeman.
The other change among the forwards is at tighthead prop where Ruan Dreyer takes over from Carlü Sadie.
The only change in the backline is at fullback where EW Viljoen fills the void left by Gianni Lombard, who ruptured knee ligaments.
Roelof Smit, meanwhile, is in line to get his first run this season if he takes the field after being named on the replacements bench.
“We’re excited to take the senior guys to Kimberley this week,” said Xerox Lions captain Elton Jantjies.
“We all grew up with the Currie Cup, so there’s a nice energy around it. It is exciting starting with a new competition.
"The group has improved quite a lot, and there is an excitement to just get back out there and play again.”
The match kicks off at 16h30 and will be broadcast live on SuperSport.
Xerox Lions: 15 EW Viljoen, 14 Stean Pienaar, 13 Wandisile Simelane, 12 Burger Odendaal, 11 Courtnall Skosan, 10 Elton Jantjies (capt), 9 Morné van den Berg, 8 Len Massyn, 7 Vincent Tshituka, 6 Jaco Kriel, 5 Marvin Orie, 4 Willem Alberts, 3 Ruan Dreyer, 2 Jaco Visagie, 1 Sti Sithole. Replacements (from): 16 Jan-Henning Campher, 17 Dylan Smith, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 Reinhard Nothnagel, 20 Roelof Smit, 21 Ross Cronjé, 21 Dan Kriel, 22 Tiaan Swanepoel, 23 Jannie du Plessis, 24 Wilhelm van der Sluys, 25 Manuel Rass.
Match information – Tafel Lager Griquas v Xerox Lions
Date: Saturday, 28 November 2020
Time: 16h30
Venue: Tafel Lager Park, Kimberley
Referee: Marius van der Westhuizen
Assistant Referees: Jaco Peyper and Griffin Colby
TMO: Aimee Barrett-Theron
TV: SuperSport Rugby and Grandstand
