The former All Black first five Carlos Spencer has been dropped to the Lions bench for Saturday's Super 14 clash with the Crusaders in Christchurch.
The form of Spencer, who joined the South African side this year from Britain, has been patchy and in last weekend's 70 point drubbing by the Waratahs he was taken off at half time for the second time this season.
Burton Francis will start in the number 10 jersey.
