Rugby-Scrambling preparations leave Springboks vulnerable to Lion attack

South Africa will have to dust off the cobwebs and put aside disrupted preparations if they are to underline their status as world champions in Saturday’s first test against the British & Irish Lions but the last chaotic weeks leave them vulnerable.

At the same time, the Lions’ own potential faces a far tougher examination than that of the first five games of their tour, as the test at the Cape Town Stadium promises to be a major step up in physicality and intensity.It makes for an intriguing start to the three-match series but will also be a test like no other in the rich history of the Lions, played to empty stands amid a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in South Africa that has left the country under a severe lockdown.

Lions coach Warren Gatland made major calls in selecting his team on Wednesday, picking Alun Wyn Jones to lead the side despite only 27 minutes of playing time since dislocating his shoulder last month, and leaving out the experienced duo of Owen Farrell and Conor Murray. It was a selection made after only one tough match on tour, losing 17-13 to South Africa A just over a week ago in a first psychological blow to the hostsThe Springboks have been scrambling to be ready after 14 players and six management members, including coach and captain, tested positive for COVID-19 his month, which led to their warm-up test against Georgia being cancelled and the players confined to their rooms for a week.

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