Three Lions players who could grab a Test place against the Stormers
The British and Irish Lions play their final match before the Test series begins when they clash with the Stormers at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
A number of places are up for grabs against South Africa and here, the PA news agency looks at three players with points to prove.
STUART HOGG
Raring to go after an “horrendous” week spent in self-isolation at the team hotel in Johannesburg, Hogg has a first Test appearance in his three Lions tours firmly in his sights. The Scotland captain is in a three-way shoot-out for the full-back duties alongside Liam Williams and Anthony Watson and although considered a slightly riskier option than his rivals, his display against the Sigma Lions was composed as well as inventive. A big performance could propel him to the front of the queue, especially with Williams recovering from concussion and Watson nursing ankle and hamstring problems.
ALUN WYN JONES
Warren Gatland will give Jones 20 minutes against the Stormers in the final stage of one of the most remarkable comebacks from injury seen in the game. Three weeks ago the Lions captain dislocated his shoulder against Japan, now he is ready to step off the bench at Cape Town Stadium knowing that if the joint remains intact, he is likely to start against the world champions. All eyes will be on his progress as the tourists hope their forward talisman and the sport’s most-capped player proves he is ready to lead them into the series.
ALI PRICE
Unquestionably the form scrum-half of the tour, Price will view the Stormers match as a final audition to face the Springboks. Conor Murray, Price’s chief rival as Gareth Davies has never got going, is in a precarious position owing to his disappointing outing against South Africa ‘A’ and the return of Jones as tour captain. Murray’s Lions pedigree may yet swing it for him, but Price has been far sharper and more dangerous. Crucially for the Scotsman, he has also improved his kicking game and strengthened his defence.
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Think it was a great defensive performance by Northampton. They didn't have stage fright in the first half, the Nienaber defense smothered them. They limited Leinster to 15-3 in the first half. It could have been over by then. A great try from Leinster in the start of the second half looked to have sealed it. But Byrne missed another conversion. Northampton started trying little kicks behind the Leinster wingers. Leinster messed one and Smith brilliantly made the conversion. Leinster decided to tighten the game after Byrne missed a straight forward penalty. A few errors got NH into the 22 and they scored and converted with a few minutes left. Another brilliant steal from Lawes saw NH have a final attack which was turned over by Conan. A classic semi final. World record attendance of 82,300. Leinsters 3 week preparation warranted for this one.
Go to commentsJust came back from the game and the atmosphere was amazing. Players stayed afterwards for more than a hour to sign stuff and take photos with fans. Great day out.
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