Lions winger Anthony Watson is adamant that his side will not be devising a particular game-plan to nullify the significant threat posed by South Africa’s flying winger Cheslin Kolbe.

Kolbe already demonstrated his devastating ability on this tour during last week’s South Africa ‘A’ win over the Lions.

The Toulouse star has been named on the right wing for Saturday’s first Test, as the Springboks are able to go with the same back-line that started their 2019 World Cup final win over England.

Watson looks set to be named on the Lions’ right wing and despite being expected to line up on opposite flanks the Englishman could find himself coming up Kolbe, but he is not daunted by that prospect.

“I don’t look at it like that,” said Watson, who started all three Tests on the Lions tour to New Zealand in 2017.

“Whoever is up against him this week will just have to make sure they do their homework, do all the extras in training to make sure they are ready for the things he possesses.

“Everyone is aware of his skill-set and how much he can influence a game. It is important for the wing and the 13, whoever is playing against him this week, to make sure they are ready for that by testing themselves as much as they can in training to be prepared for the weekend.

Expose

“You can flip it on its head and try and look at where you can expose him on a one-to-one basis as well. It is not just all about him going forward. He has also got to defend whoever is against him. It is not a one-way battle.”

Although the Boks are seriously lacking in game-time since the World Cup, the familiarity in their side, particularly within the back-line means that they pose a major threat to Watson and Co.

The Lions’ back-three can expect plenty of aerial bombardment in Cape Town this weekend, as the Boks will undoubtedly look to pile the pressure on through their strong kicking game.

For Watson, that means being clued into the threat that they pose.

“There are so many components to it that I don’t think are recognised widely,” he added.

“First and foremost, the quality of the kick. That’s important for whichever team is kicking the ball.

“Secondly, if you’re chasing it’s trying to compete in the air wherever possible. Decision- making on whether to go up and compete or to try and catch the ball, tap it back or try and wait for them to land and counter ruck.”