Warren GatlandThe tour team has prepared for these three series and achieved four unilateral tour victories, despite having troubles against the strong South Africa team, having in their starting lineup For the 11 World Cup champions, most people think this is the unofficial fourth test.
At the same time, the Springboks have only participated in one test since they defeated England in the Japan World Cup final in 2019. The outbreak of Covid-19 and the country’s civil unrest have put the status of this tour into question.
Alun Wyn Jones led the Lions to complete an excellent recovery from injury tonight. There is no shortage of surprises from Gatland’s choice, although the loose Wyn Jones was due to Scotland’s Rory Sutherland (Rory Sutherland) started and was injured.
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi has also been allowed to play after completing a period of isolation after testing positive for Covid, insisting that the hosts are still focused on a lot of controversy before the test, including the appointment of TMO Marius Jonker and the review of tackle techniques And Rassie Erasmus as the water carrier.
Follow the Lions’ first live test against South Africa in the standard sports blog below…
Live Update
South Africa team news
Today, the return of South Africa’s captain Siya Kolisi, half-flyer Handre Pollard and wing Makazole Mapimpi promoted the development of South Africa. They all started after completing the self-isolation period.
Hooker Bongi Mbonambi and loose Ox Nche also started after the previous Covid test was positive, while versatile full-back Willie le Roux started with a hamstring problem.
Duane Vermeulen and Jasper Wiese were sidelined by injuries.
Sutherland replaces injured Wen Jones
Before the first test, the Lions were forced to make a late change.
Welsh’s loose Win Jones suffered a shoulder injury in Thursday’s training and has withdrawn from the match day lineup.
Although he is expected to play for the rest of the series, Jones did not play today and his position in the front row was replaced by Scottish opponent Rory Sutherland.
Mako Vunipola of England was promoted to the bench.
“This is really unfortunate for Wen, and we all regret that he missed the game tonight,” Gatland said.
“However, we believe that he will resume training next week. At this stage, there are no plans to introduce others.”
How to watch the Lions play against South Africa
Today’s game will be broadcast live on the Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Rugby.
Highlights will also be available on All4.
Date, time and location
Today’s first test between the Lions and South Africa started at the Cape Town Stadium at 5pm British Summer Time-after the last two games were transferred from Johannesburg due to Covid-19 issues, the venues for all three games were Will be held.
The stadium can hold 55,000 people, but due to coronavirus restrictions, no fans attended today or the entire series.
The lion test without that red ocean will take some time to get used to…
Welcome to the first test report of the Lions vs. South Africa!
Good afternoon and welcome to the live report of Standard Sports’ long-awaited first test between the British and Irish Lions in South Africa and Cape Town!
Please stay tuned for all the latest match schedules, team news and real-time updates, which are expected to become a fierce physical confrontation between tourists and the defending world champion.
