{"id":22515,"date":"2021-07-27T08:10:07","date_gmt":"2021-07-27T12:10:07","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=22515"},"modified":"2021-07-28T13:12:15","modified_gmt":"2021-07-28T17:12:15","slug":"four-irish-players-to-start-for-lions-against-springboks-on-saturday","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=22515","title":{"rendered":"Four Irish Players To Start For Lions Against Springboks On Saturday"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Conor Murray has been called in to replace Ali Price (PA Wire\/PA Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>The British and Irish Lions have made three changes for Saturday\u2019s second Test against South Africa, with four Irish players due to line out.<\/p>\n

Conor Murray takes the scrum-half duties from Ali Price, who drops to the bench in a straight swap of roles from the series opener at Cape Town Stadium that saw the Lions emerge 22-17 winners, as Robbie Henshaw, Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan are also among the starters.<\/p>\n

Mako Vunipola is rewarded for his impact off the bench in the first Test, which included a solid scrummaging performance, by getting the nod ahead of Rory Sutherland at loosehead prop.<\/p>\n

Sutherland struggled at the set-piece and with Wyn Jones suffering from a shoulder problem, the Scotland front row is needed among the replacements.<\/p>\n

The final adjustment to the XV that have placed the Lions on the brink of a first series victory over South Africa since 1997 is Chris Harris\u2019 promotion from outside the 23 to replace Elliot Daly in the centers.<\/p>\n

In a rare start in his preferred position at outside center, Daly disappointed against the Springboks last Saturday but his versatility \u2013 he also covers wing and full-back \u2013 sees him oust Liam Williams from the bench.<\/p>\n

Another alteration to the replacements is the appearance of number eight Taulupe Faletau at the expense of Hamish Watson.<\/p>\n

Dan Biggar continues at fly-half but to feature he must complete the return to play protocols for concussion after suffering a head injury in the first Test.<\/p>\n

Alun Wyn Jones once again leads the side in what will be his 11th successive Lions Test cap, packing down alongside last Saturday\u2019s man of the match Maro Itoje.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs always, selection was incredibly tough. However, we\u2019ve made the changes we think are the right calls for the weekend\u2019s game,\u201d Gatland said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019ll be another tight contest. We know the Springboks will be hurting and they\u2019ll throw everything at us on Saturday, but I think there\u2019s plenty more to come from us too.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe feel we can go up another level from where we were in the first Test and I would expect us to improve.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s the biggest game on the tour and we have to embrace the expectation that comes with it. As players and coaches, these are the games you want to be involved in.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re relishing the opportunity to face the Springboks again on Saturday and potentially seal a series win.\u201d<\/p>\n

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