SM
Thursday, March 28
Upcoming predictions and previews
Collect News Data

Lions make three changes for second South Africa Test

:Headline: Lions make three changes for second South Africa Test:
Ali Price, Rory Sutherland and Elliot Daly are the players to make way as the Lions look to seal a series victory over South Africa.
Sports Mole

The British and Irish Lions have made three changes for Saturday's second Test against South Africa after giving starts to Conor Murray, Chris Harris and Mako Vunipola.

Murray takes the scrum-half duties from Ali Price, who drops to the bench in a straight swap of roles from the series opener at Cape Town Stadium that saw the Lions emerge 22-17 winners.

Vunipola is rewarded for his impact off the bench in the first Test, which included a solid scrummaging performance, by getting the nod ahead of Rory Sutherland at loosehead prop.

Sutherland struggled at the set-piece and with Wyn Jones suffering from a shoulder problem, the Scotland front row is needed among the replacements.

The final adjustment to the XV that have placed the Lions on the brink of a first series victory over South Africa since 1997 is Harris' promotion from outside the 23 to replace Elliot Daly in the centres.

In a rare start in his preferred position at outside centre, Daly disappointed against the Springboks last Saturday but his versatility – he also covers wing and full-back – sees him oust Liam Williams from the bench.

“It'll be another tight contest. We know the Springboks will be hurting and they'll throw everything at us on Saturday, but I think there's plenty more to come from us too.”
- Warren Gatland

Another alteration to the replacements is the appearance of number eight Taulupe Faletau at the expense of Hamish Watson.

Dan Biggar continues at fly-half but to feature he must complete the return to play protocols for concussion after suffering a head injury in the first Test.

Alun Wyn Jones once again leads the side in what will be his 11th successive Lions Test cap, packing down alongside last Saturday's man of the match Maro Itoje.

Alun Wyn Jones will again captain the Lions as they look to claim a series victory (Steve Haag/PA)

"As always, selection was incredibly tough. However, we've made the changes we think are the right calls for the weekend's game," Gatland said.

"It'll be another tight contest. We know the Springboks will be hurting and they'll throw everything at us on Saturday, but I think there's plenty more to come from us too.

"We feel we can go up another level from where we were in the first Test and I would expect us to improve.

Warren Gatland's side are looking to emulate the 1997 Lions' triumph over the Springboks (David Rogers/PA)

"It's the biggest game on the tour and we have to embrace the expectation that comes with it. As players and coaches, these are the games you want to be involved in.

"We're relishing the opportunity to face the Springboks again on Saturday and potentially seal a series win."

body check tags ::

amp_article__457065 : Collect and Make Data not in DataBase  : 
last updated article - 2021-07-27 09:56:34:
html db last update - 2021-07-27 09:12:15 :

ex - 7200 : read : write cache and make html

Click here for more stories about Mako Vunipola

Click here for more stories about British and Irish Lions

Share this article now:
RE
Read Next:
Rassie Erasmus hits out at "reckless and dangerous" Lions play
>


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!
Read more about Mako Vunipola Conor Murray Chris Harris Ali Price Rory Sutherland Elliot Daly Rugby Union
Follow @SportsMole for the latest breaking news stories, and follow @sm_headlines to get every headline from Sports Mole
Recommended Next on SM
Rassie Erasmus hits out at "reckless and dangerous" Lions play
Real Madrid 'priced out of move for Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold'

Page options

Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Arsenal28204470244664
2Liverpool28197265263964
3Manchester CityMan City28196363283563
4Aston Villa29175760421856
5Tottenham HotspurSpurs28165759421753
6Manchester UnitedMan Utd28152113939047
7West Ham UnitedWest Ham2912894650-444
8Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2811985044642
9Wolverhampton WanderersWolves28125114244-241
10Newcastle UnitedNewcastle281241259481140
11Chelsea27116104745239
12Fulham29115134344-138
13Bournemouth2898114152-1135
14Crystal Palace2878133348-1529
15Brentford2975174154-1326
16Everton2887132939-1025
17Luton TownLuton2957174260-1822
18Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest2967163551-1621
19Burnley2945202963-3417
20Sheffield UnitedSheff Utd2835202474-5014
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.

history www

Man City injury, suspension list vs. Arsenal - De Bruyne, Stones and more

1

MC

Key Man City duo miss training ahead of Arsenal title clash

2

KM

Real Madrid 'priced out of move for Liverpool's Alexander-Arnold'

NEW

3

RM

Barcelona could be missing seven players for Las Palmas clash

4

BC

Man Utd could raise £105m through player sales this summer

5

MU

Arsenal 'optimistic over triple injury boost for Man City clash'

6

A'

Preview: Barcelona vs. Las Palmas - prediction, team news, lineups

7

PB

Record-breaking Arsenal teenager signs first professional contract

8

RA

How Barcelona could line up against Las Palmas

9

HB

Man United 'draw up transfer plan for 18-year-old defender'

10

MU


. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .