{"id":22594,"date":"2021-08-03T10:18:40","date_gmt":"2021-08-03T14:18:40","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=22594"},"modified":"2021-08-04T11:21:23","modified_gmt":"2021-08-04T15:21:23","slug":"lions-ring-the-changes-with-henshaw-and-aki-added-to-starting-lineup","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/irishexaminerusa.com\/wp\/?p=22594","title":{"rendered":"Lions Ring The Changes With Henshaw And Aki Added To Starting Lineup"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Robbie Henshaw moves to outside center for the Lions’ final test (PA Wire\/PA Images)<\/figcaption><\/figure>The British and Irish Lions have reacted to their second Test defeat to South Africa by making six changes including a revamped back three featuring Liam Williams and Josh Adams.<\/p>\n

Stuart Hogg and Anthony Watson have made way for the Welsh duo whose aerial expertise will be essential to hopes of winning Saturday\u2019s series decider at Cape Town Stadium, but in a surprise move, Duhan Van Der Merwe keeps his place.<\/p>\n

Conor Murray drops to the bench, with four Irish players set to start; Robbie Henshaw, Bundee Aki, Tadhg Furlong and Jack Conan.<\/p>\n

In Murray’s absence, Dan Biggar is rejoined by Ali Price. Chris Harris makes way for Aki, with Henshaw sliding to 13.<\/p>\n

Warren Gatland has performed major surgery to his front row in expectation of a renewed set-piece assault from South Africa by bringing in prop Wyn Jones, who has recovered from a shoulder issue, and hooker Ken Owens.<\/p>\n

The second and back rows remain unchanged, meaning Alun Wyn Jones continues as captain to make his 12th consecutive Test appearance for the Lions.<\/p>\n

Gatland has also made three adjustments to the bench, where England captain Owen Farrell loses out to Finn Russell, who has recovered from an Achilles injury, while Adam Beard and Sam Simmonds are included for the first time in the series.<\/p>\n

Kyle Sinckler is named among the replacements pending the outcome of Tuesday\u2019s disciplinary hearing brought for biting in the second Test.<\/p>\n

All the momentum is with South Africa after they emerged conclusive 27-9 winners from a fractious clash at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday, levelling the series at 1-1.<\/p>\n

But Gatland said: \u201cThe matchday 23 have an incredibly special opportunity in front of them \u2013 to seal a Lions series victory in South Africa.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt doesn\u2019t get much bigger than this and we\u2019re excited by the challenge that faces us on Saturday.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019ve no excuses from last week, the Springboks put us under pressure in the second half and deserved the win. We have to be much better than that second-half performance, and I believe we will be.\u201d<\/p>\n

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