Darry Worthington previews the third test between the Springboks and the British and Irish Lions.
South Africa v British and Irish Lions: Third Test Preview
The British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa comes to close this Saturday with the two sides locking horns in the decider at the Cape Town Stadium.
Well, here we go rugby fans! We’ve got the series decider this Saturday and it’s sure to be fill of drama with all the off-field shenanigans fueling an already tulmutuos occasion.
Will the ‘Boks manage the same feat as the class of ‘09 and claim a series win or will the Lions achieve what their class of ’97 managed a claim a win on South African shores?
South Africa v British and Irish Lions
Saturday 6 August
Cape Town Stadium
18:00
To Win (80 Mins)
South Africa 6/10
Draw 22/1
Lions 14/10
Handicap
South Africa -3.5
Lions +3.5
So, the series that was under so much doubt ton go ahead will be completed this Saturday, and while it’s been rather controversial, it has been an absolute belter for rugby enthuisists. Yes, if I was trying to get someone to start watching rugby I would never use this series as their starter guide, but it has made for intriguing and somewhat confusing viewing.
While the Lions outclassed the South Africans during the second half of the First Test, the ‘Boks were the dominant force during the second spell of the second Test. Having gone into the break trailing the Lions 6-9, the hosts burst to life early in the second half with flying winger Makazole Mapimpi collecting a Handre Pollard cross kick then evading a couple of defenders to cross for the first try of the game.
The ‘Boks would bag another five-pointer 15 minutes later. The try was set up with another deft touch off the boot as Faf de Klerk’s close range grubber was collected by Lukhanyo Am who finished smartly. Pollard would add a further would add another three pointer while the men in green and gold defended stoickly to ensure a 26-9 win and set up this weekend’s decider.
As was the case after the first Test, controversy followed the second as every flash point has been anazlyed at nausiating depths by rugby, pundits, supporters and people who long ago lost their relavance and are trying to find some way to get back into the spotlight – yes, Clive Woodward, that one’s for you.
The only player to end up with a date with the long arm of the law is Kyle Sinckler, with the prop having been cited for an apparent bite. He has been cleared to play, however, with the committee finding him not guilty.
The changes have been rung by both teams for this weekend with Franco Mostert coming in for the injured Peter Steph du Toit whil Cobus Reinach takes over from Faf de Klerk, who is also out injured. The South African brain’s trust has also opted to go for the traditional five/three split on the bench with Morne Steyn coming in as the third backline sub.
On the Lion’s side of things, Josh Adams comes in on the wing with Liam Williams set to take over the fullback reigns. Further changes to the tourists’ backline see Bundee Ake takeover at inside centre and Ali Price reinstalled at nine after missing out on a start in second Test. Wyn Jones and Ken Owens are the only to changes in the forwards with the two Welshman taking over duties in the frontrow. In a positive move from Gatland, Finn Russel has been named on the bench.
Verdict South Africa
I think the ‘Boks will grind this one out. The losses of De Klerk and Du Toit are massive, but Mostert and Reinach are able replacements. I’ll also be having a small dabble on the draw as we all remember what happened in New Zealand back in 2016!
