Saturday’s third and final Test between the British & Irish Lions and South Africa is a winner-takes-all affair in Cape Town after the two sides have traded victories so far in an evenly-balanced series.
The Lions got off to the perfect start when they recovered from a poor first half to beat the world champions 22-17 in the first game, before the hosts responded in the rematch last weekend, winning 27-9.
It means it’s all set up superbly for Saturday when they meet for the final time – and plenty will be tempted by the 5/4 on offer for the tourists to get the job done and complete a memorable series win.
The Lions are aiming to emulate the famous 1997 tour, when Martin Johnson led his side to a 2-1 series win in SA. However, the current side will have to be much better than in the second Test when they were overpowered by the Springboks, especially in what was a dominant second-half showing.
Lions chief Warren Gatland wasn’t happy with their second-half display and has rung the changes for the Cape Town decider.
He said: “We’ve no excuses from last week, the Springboks put us under pressure in the second half and deserved the win. We have to be much better than that second-half performance, and I believe we will be.”
Gatland has Rung the Changes
To underline his frustration at the second Test outcome, Gatland has made six changes for Saturday, including a revamped back three featuring Liam Williams and Josh Adams.
Stuart Hogg and Anthony Watson have dropped out and it’s hoped the Welsh duo will be better equipped to deal with the expected aerial bombardment from the Springboks. Duhan van der Merwe, however, has kept his place in the XV and Dan Biggar continues at fly-half.
Half-back Ali Price returns as those two hope to pick up from where they left off in the first Test win, while Bundee Aki has also been recalled, with Robbie Henshaw moving to 13.
Prop Wyn Jones, who is fit following a shoulder injury, and hooker Ken Owens also return as Gatland hopes several changes do the trick in reviving his side who were clearly flagging come the end last time out.
Alun Wyn Jones continues as captain and Kyle Sinckler has made the replacements after he was cleared of biting at a disciplinary hearing this week.
South Africa have the momentum following the second Test win but the Lions’ cause has been boosted by the news key duo Faf De Klerk and Pieter-Steph Du Toit will miss out for the hosts due to injury. Cobus Reinach replaces De Klerk and Franco Mostert will switch to the back row at No.7, with Lood De Jager coming in at lock.
Nienaber Expecting Physical Showdown
Coach Jacques Nienaber has otherwise retained the same starting side that was so impressive in the second game, although the bench contains the eye-catching name of Morne Steyn, a hero of the 2009 series who could make his first international appearance since October 2016 if he features.
Nienaber knows there’s little to choose between the two teams but he is expecting a physical clash and will likely deploy aggressive tactics in a bid to upset the tourists and give South Africa the edge.
If the Springboks do turn up with their A game, it is difficult to look past a home series-clinching win at 5/8, albeit it is likely to be much closer than last week.
Nienaber said: “This is a massive Test for us with the series on the line, so it was important for us to maintain consistency in selection following last week’s performance.
“I don’t think one needs any more motivation than that to win this weekend. We are preparing for a physical encounter and we know that every small battle will count if we want to win the series.”
Second Half could be Exciting
One angle to look for is more points on the board again in the second half – on offer at 4/5.
It’s an outcome that has played out in the first two Tests and, with what’s at stake, it could be a nervy, tense first 40-minute tussle before a more expansive second half plays out.
*All odds correct at time of writing.