Hooker Jamie George will captain the British and Irish Lions when they take on the Sharks in their second meeting at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday.
DURBAN – British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland has made 13 changes to the team that overwhelmed the Sharks on Wednesday for the return encounter with the Durbanites, at Loftus Versfeld on Saturday at 6pm
England hooker Jamie George captains the team, with only Elliot Daly and Duhan van der Merwe retained from the 54-7 victory.
Earlier today, the entire Lions squad tour returned a negative set of Covid results, giving Gatland all of his options as the countdown to the first Test begins, which is two weeks tomorrow in Cape Town.
“It’s obviously been a slightly turbulent week, but we remain determined to keep rolling with the punches,” said Gatland.
“In many ways, the challenges we’ve faced this week have strengthened our resolve to do everything we can to overcome the challenges created by Covid.
“The feeling in the camp on Wednesday night was just to give it a crack – I was really proud by how everyone reacted, particularly the match day squad who would have never prepared for a game like that before.
“Saturday is another opportunity to see how the boys go and for us as coaches to try out a few more combinations ahead of the Test series.
“I have long been an admirer of Jamie’s leadership skills, so I am delighted to name him skipper.
“We want to pass on thanks to the Sharks boys for fronting up and going again on Saturday. That’s the spirit of rugby, and a great chance for them to have another shot at us.”
Lions: 15 Liam Williams 14 Anthony Watson 13 Elliot Daly 12 Chris Harris 11 Duhan van der Merwe 10 Dan Biggar 9 Gareth Davies 8 Jack Conan 7 Hamish Watson 6 Tadhg Beirne 5 Jonny Hill 4 Maro Itoje 3 Tadhg Furlong 2 Jamie George (capt) 1 Rory Sutherland
Subs: Ken Owens,Wyn Jones, Kyle Sinckler, Courtney Lawes, Sam Simmonds, Tom Curry, Conor Murray, Finn Russell.
IOL Sport
