If the Boks had any games under their belts they'd beat this Lion's lineup with no problem. As it is they'll likely tire before the end and let the Lions steal it. If this happens Gatland will have got out of jail. He allowed his Scottish co-selectors to influence his team selection and, as a result, we have Stuart Hogg at full back who is very suspect under the high ball and Duhan van de Merwe (a Saffer who plays for Scotland on residential grounds) on the wing who, despite his 6ft 4", is a poor defender. Milk turns quicker than he does!
These Scottish players (both fine performers btw) take the place of Liam Williams, considered one of the best in the game under the high ball, and top try scorer so far in Josh Adams, who is also excellent in the air and a fine defender with it.
Make no mistake. Boks will play as they always do. Faf de Klerk will bombard Hogg and van de Merwe with high kicks and the Saffer's forwards will seek to engage the Lions in a mighty arm wrestle which they'll expect to win. Were they match fit they would win the wrestle and with it the game BUT they aren't, so Lions have a chance. Game could still go either way but mistakes from Hogg and or VdM might swing it for the Boks. If they don't make mistakes then the Lion's match fitness could win it for them.
These Scottish players (both fine performers btw) take the place of Liam Williams, considered one of the best in the game under the high ball, and top try scorer so far in Josh Adams, who is also excellent in the air and a fine defender with it.
Make no mistake. Boks will play as they always do. Faf de Klerk will bombard Hogg and van de Merwe with high kicks and the Saffer's forwards will seek to engage the Lions in a mighty arm wrestle which they'll expect to win. Were they match fit they would win the wrestle and with it the game BUT they aren't, so Lions have a chance. Game could still go either way but mistakes from Hogg and or VdM might swing it for the Boks. If they don't make mistakes then the Lion's match fitness could win it for them.