Lions coach John Mitchell has sharpened his axe and will be making some changes in personnel ahead of Saturday’s Super Rugby match against the Bulls in Pretoria.

“There will be some changes to the 22,” said Mitchell.

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The Lions had no serious injuries to report on Monday after their 15-27 loss to the Western Force and are expecting centre Doppies La Grange to return from injury this week.

La Grange missed last week’s match due to an ankle injury.

Up to this point in the competition, Mitchell has been very reluctant to make changes to his side – citing continuity and trust as key components to his plans.

He also highlighted that he is working with an inexperienced group, but that the excuse was not compensation enough for some of the blunders his men are making.

“There will also be consequences for the last few weeks’ performances to root out some of the symptoms I’ve been seeing that I don’t like.

“I certainly won’t be carrying people who continually do not shift in their skill,” Mitchell added.

One of the most likely changes is in midfield where centre La Grange is expected to return.

Hooker Martin Bezuidenhout could also earn his first starting cap at Loftus Versfeld.

Mitchell is, however, expected to continue backing flyhalf Elton Jantjies who – understandably – has not provided the same spark at Super Rugby level as he did during the Currie Cup.

“He [Jantjies] is certainly our future and I’m not into stop-gapping or just plugging the gap,” said the Lions’ mentor.

“If you compare the Sharks with us, Pat Lambie is a similar age and a similar footballer, but he’s got experienced guys around him taking pressure off him.”

Mitchell said it is the team’s responsibility to take the pressure off the young flyer.

“I’m challenging the leadership in my group to take pressure off him and I’m prepared to weather the storm,” said Mitchell.

Looking back at the team’s disappointing loss to the Force, Lions captain Franco van der Merwe said they will have to take responsibility as a collective.

“We have no excuses as it was a case of us not pitching up for the game,” said Van der Merwe.

“I feel the turning point in the game was where our discipline was not spot-on and that is not something you can be taught in training, it is the attitude you take to the field.”