The British and Irish Lions will attempt to continue building momentum when they square off against a strong-looking South Africa A side on Wednesday.
The Lions have picked up four successive victories since convening in late June but Wednesday’s assignment is likely to be their toughest yet.
Warren Gatland’s men take on a highly-experienced South Africa A outfit in Cape Town and they are priced at 5/8 to pick up a victory.
South Africa A, who are set to field an XV containing 522 caps, can be backed at 13/10, while the draw is available at 20/1.
Preparations Stepping Up a Level
Wednesday’s outing has been billed as “almost a fourth Test match” by Lions captain Conor Murray, who will lead the side for the first time.
The hosts’ starting XV will boast seven players that started for South Africa in their 2019 World Cup final victory over England.
Ken Owens is relishing the prospect of going toe-to-toe with South Africa 'A' today
It's a formidable line-up but he's excited by the physical challenge
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It is being used as a desperate attempt to get some much-needed gametime into their legs after warming up with just one outing against Georgia earlier this month.
World Cup-winning centre Lukhanyo Am, who will captain South Africa A, conceded that a week isolating in a hotel room wasn’t ideal preparation for the Test series but was pleased to report that it has allowed several players to shake off injuries.
The British and Irish Lions have enjoyed comfortable victories over the Sharks and the Lions, while also beating Japan, and backing them to win by 1-12 points at 31/20 could be the way to go.
Although they have eased to wins against provincial outfits, the Lions were made to work much harder by Japan and Wednesday’s encounter against what is effectively another Test side should be another tight affair.
Welsh Winger in Fine Form
Wales international Josh Adams has been one of the standout performers for the Lions over the past few weeks and he could be the key to success in Cape Town.
After earning his first call up to Lions duty, the 26-year-old has made a very good impression on Gatland and is seen as a certainty for the first Test after scoring eight tries in three outings.
Adams crossed to score their first try in the pre-tour warm-up match against Japan at Murrayfield, before scoring four tries in the 56-14 thrashing of Lions in Johannesburg.
He went on to cross a further three times in the 54-7 triumph over the Sharks at Ellis Park and could be essential to Lions’ hopes of enjoying a successful Tour this summer.
Gatland gave the Cardiff Blues ace a break for the second meeting with the Sharks on Saturday but he’s back in from the start to face South Africa A and looks a strong option to score anytime at 11/10.
All odds correct at time of writing