All is going according to plan for the British and Irish Lions after opening their Test series against South Africa with a 22-17 win—but the biggest obstacles are just on the horizon.
Both coaches have kept changes to a minimum for the rematch with three changes apiece. Warren Gatland has tweaked his team with changes at prop, scrum-half and centre, while South Africa coach Jacques Nienaber has restricted his replacements exclusively to the pack.
Will it be enough for the hosts to cancel out the first-leg deficit, or can the Lions clinch back-to-back victories and seal the series with time to spare?
A selection of rugby’s elite from both sides of the equator prepare to face off once again in Cape Town, and Mirror Sport dissects five of the key battles likely to dictate the final result.
Jack Conan vs Jasper Wiese
It’s a sign of how well Jack Conan performed at No. 8 in the first Test that despite the debate concerning Gatland’s back-row selection, few could object to the Leinster man keeping his place.
The same can’t be said for his opposite number, however, after Nienaber has dropped Kwagga Smith in favour of Jasper Wiese, who will make his full Test debut when he faces the Lions.
Four inches taller and almost three stone heavier than his back-row comrade, there’s no disguising why Wiese has been drafted into the XV.
He’ll be at Cape Town Stadium to provide yardage in possession, and Conan will be expected to play his role in countering the Leicester Tigers star as he makes his first South Africa start.
The Irishman was third among Lions with ball in hand despite carrying for only 18 metres in the first Test, and it may be it’s the defensive contributions that tell more of this tale.
Conor Murray vs Faf de Klerk
Probably the most controversial change for the Lions this week saw Ali Price replaced by Conor Murray despite a fine first Test, though it’s a dilemma for any coach to have such talented options at hand.
The swap hints Gatland will be seeking a more structured, patient approach as he opts for experience at scrum-half, which will have its own benefits tempering the talents of Faf de Klerk.
South Africa’s half-back pairing was, as expected, one of their more effective areas in the first Test, and the fact De Klerk scored their only try is proof of the threat he can pose in possession.
While Murray’s delivery speed may not match up with that of Price, the tour’s deputy captain is sure to keep De Klerk guessing in another duel between two of the world’s top scrum-halves.
Mako Vunipola vs Frans Malherbe
Another newcomer to the Lions Test line-up, Mako Vunipola has been promoted to starting duties after it was his introduction that gave the visitors so much solidity at the scrum on Saturday.
Likewise, Frans Malherbe has returned to the Springboks XV after appearing off the bench in the first Test, though he’ll hope for a different outcome in his own head-to-head.
It’s a factor that Vunipola found himself up against a tiring opponent given he played only the last 25 minutes last time out, though that can’t take away from the Saracens star’s contribution.
Chris Harris vs Lukhanyo Am
A Lions Test debut awaits Chris Harris after Elliot Daly failed to impress as hoped at outside centre, and his replacement offers a much different skill set in the No. 13 jersey.
South Africa counterpart Lukhanyo Am made his presence felt early on in the first Test with a thundering hit on Daly minutes into the match, a reminder to Harris of the physical examination ahead.
Am and Harris both played the full 80 minutes when South Africa ‘A’ beat the tourists 17-13 a fortnight ago, when the pair exchanged momentum getting the better of one another.
Running yards were few and far between among the backs in a tetchy first Test, and this duo in particular will have a major say in how much ball their wingers see this Saturday.
Courtney Lawes vs Siya Kolisi
It speaks volumes of Courtney Lawes ’ value as a loose forward that he can go toe-to-toe with World Cup -winning captain Siya Kolisi and not look out of his depth in the slightest.
Lawes, 32, came into the Tests far from assured to start, but his performance in Cape Town meant there could be few arguments he deserves to survive at blindside.
The England utility recorded a Lions high of 10 tackles last time out—only two Springboks managed more—to go along with a very useful tally of 20 metres made with ball in hand.
Kolisi, 30, is only likely to improve as he continues to reintegrate having served an isolation period due to Covid-19 protocols, and Lawes will be the prime suspect if the Lions are to silence him at the breakdown.
