British and Irish Lions 2021: Conor Murray leads side for first time against South Africa A
Last updated on .From the section Rugby Union
| South Africa A v British and Irish Lions |
|---|
| Venue: Cape Town Stadium Date: Wednesday, 14 July Kick-off: 19:00 BST |
| Coverage: Live text commentary on the BBC Sport website and app |
Tour captain Conor Murray leads the British and Irish Lions for the first time when they face South Africa A in Cape Town on Wednesday.
There are 12 changes to the side that beat the Sharks 71-31 on Saturday, with only Anthony Watson, Chris Harris and Dan Biggar retained.
Bundee Aki joins Biggar and Harris in midfield, while Maro Itoje returns to the pack after recovering from illness.
Wednesday's game is on despite a Covid-19 outbreak in the Springbok camp.
British and Irish Lions: Watson; Rees-Zammit, Harris, Aki, Adams; Biggar, Murray (capt); Jones, Owens, Sinckler, Itoje, Henderson, Navidi, Curry, Faletau.
Replacements: Cowan-Dickie, Vunipola, Fagerson, Beard, Beirne, Simmonds, Davies, Daly.
South Africa announced that captain Siya Kolisi had tested positive for the virus on Sunday, taking the number of cases in the group to more than 20.
The Lions have travelled to Cape Town for Wednesday's game having played their first three games at altitude in Johannesburg and Pretoria.
"Wednesday's game against South Africa A will be our toughest encounter since we arrived here and we're looking forward to it," head coach Warren Gatland said.
"I think we've benefitted from playing at altitude in the first three games. While the boys have felt it in their lungs, they'll be all the better for it now we're at sea level."
More to follow.
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