Robbie Henshaw Retains Place As Lions Make Three Changes

Tuesday, 27 July 2021 09:51

The Athlone man will have a new centre partner.

Irish scrum-half Conor Murray has been recalled to the Lions' team for the second Test against South Africa.

Head-coach Warren Gatland has made three changes from the side which started their win against the Springboks in Cape Town last week.

Scotland's Chris Harris replaces Elliott Daly in the centre while England loosehead prop Mako Vunipola has been given the nod to start in the front-row.

Ali Price and Rory Sutherland drop to the bench with Alun Wyn Jones captaining the side.

Leinster trio Tadhg Furlong, Robbie Henshaw and Jack Conan retain their places with Tadhg Beirne among the replacements.

Speaking on selection, Warren Gatland told the Lions official website:

“As always, selection was incredibly tough,” said Gatland. “However, we’ve made the changes we think are the right calls for the weekend’s game.

“It’ll be another tight contest. We know the Springboks will be hurting and they’ll throw everything at us on Saturday, but I think there’s plenty more to come from us too. We feel we can go up another level from where we were in the first Test and I would expect us to improve.

“It’s 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. We’re relishing the opportunity to face the Springboks again on Saturday and potentially seal a Series win.”

Lions Starting XV:

15. Stuart Hogg (Exeter Chiefs, Scotland) #783

14. Anthony Watson (Bath Rugby, England) #816

13. Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby, Scotland) #844

12. Robbie Henshaw (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #824

11. Duhan van der Merwe (Worcester Warriors, Scotland) #841

10. Dan Biggar (Northampton Saints, Wales) #821

9. Conor Murray (Munster Rugby, Ireland) #790

1. Mako Vunipola (Saracens, England) #787

2. Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, England) #851

3. Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #818

4. Maro Itoje (Saracens, England) #825