Lions v New Zealand - Teams and Prediction
PREVIEW: The All Blacks will be out to claim a fifth consecutive victory on South African soil when they face the Lions at 10Bet Ellis Park on Tuesday evening.
The match will be New Zealand’s final clash against the four United Rugby Championship franchises, having defeated the Stormers, Sharks and Bulls in recent weeks.
The visitors will be brimming with confidence heading into this clash, whilst the hosts will try to pull off the mother of all upsets at the same venue where New Zealand claimed a win three days prior.
Lions head coach Ivan van Rooyen said that the preparation for this fixture has not been smooth sailing, but that his side is ready and motivated to go out guns blazing against the World’s No.1 team.
“We are not URC ready, but it’s such a wonderful occasion and such a privilege to be in this game,” Van Rooyen said.
“We had to adapt a little bit, and we’re happy to do so. We haven’t had too much cohesion, but there’s real excitement in not just playing against the All Blacks but for the players to test themselves.
“I would’ve been really nervous if the URC started next week, but for this occasion, we’re willing to bite the bullet a little bit.”
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The Lions boss added what he expects from the visitors.
“In review of the Test, they painted a certain picture in the first few [provincial] games, and they changed it quite a bit against the Springboks.
“My gut tells me we will face something similar to what the Bulls, Sharks and Stormers faced – the identity of how they want to play in terms of tempo, and I feel their breakdown work is absolutely world-class.
“Tempo, physicality – that’s how they want to play. The side they selected is really physical with a lot of experience.
“So for us, physicality, tempo and decision-making will obviously be under pressure, but then again it’s such a big occasion for us that we’re excited for.”
Captain Francke Horn expressed his excitement and shared a special fact regarding this fixture from a personal point of view.
“It’s a massive opportunity for every single player in the matchday squad. It’s been quite a nice build-up to this game.
“We’ve watched the All Blacks during this tour, and we’ll give ourselves the best chance on Tuesday evening.
“We’re looking forward to testing ourselves against an opponent we’ve never faced before. We always watched Super Rugby, and to feel that tempo, intensity and physicality is something we’re looking forward to.
“It’s quite special. My dad played against the All Blacks in 1996 for Boland when they faced New Zealand in Worcester.
“There’s something special to it, 30 years later, that I’m able to do the same thing.”
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Lock, and captain Patrick Tuipolotu spoke about the unique nature of the series and how the All Blacks have dealt with it thus far.
“It’s a bit different for us having a Springbok Test on Saturday and going straight into the Lions game.
“It’s actually good for the non-Test players in the squad to have a week to get stuff done.
“The feeling [in camp] is pretty good; we’ve had two guys joining us in Ofa [Tuʻungafasi] and Jamie [Hannah] and a debut for Saula [Ma’u]
“There’s plenty in it in terms of the occasion for those players. For us it’s about stamping our mark in South Africa against all the club [URC] sides.”
Players to Watch:
For the Lions: It would’ve been interesting to see Quan Horn operating at flyhalf, but he is still a deadly player on counterattack and exploiting space. Henco van Wyk will have the opportunity to impress Bok coach Rassie Erasmus whilst Chris Smit’s game management will be crucial. The breakdown battle will be fierce, and Siba Mahashe will have the gruelling task of disrupting the All Blacks’ quick ball they thrive on.
For New Zealand: Timoci Tavatavanawai is a human wrecking ball who will test the Lions’ midfield defence; apart from his explosive power, he’s also a great poacher of the ball. Richie Mo’unga have the perfect opportunity to play his way into Test selection and will surely pull out his bag of tricks to impress Dave Rennie. In the pack, Wallace Sititi and Ethan Blackadder also have plenty to play for and whilst the leadership of Patrick Tuipulotu will be key not just for this game, but for the rest of the games as well.
Prediction:
Rugby365: All Blacks by 25 points or more
Teams:
Lions: 15 Quan Horn, 14 Kelly Mpeku, 13 Henco van Wyk, 12 Richard Kriel, 11 Erich Cronje, 10 Chris Smit, 9 Nico Steyn, 8 Francke Horn, 7 Batho Hlekani, 6 Siba Mahashe, 5 Ruan Delport, 4 Etienne Oosthuizen, 3 Sebastian Lombard, 2 PJ Botha, 1 SJ Kotze
Replacements: 16 Morne Brandon, 17 Boan Venter, 18 RF Schoeman, 19 Hyron Andrews, 20 Sikhumbuzo Notshe, 21 JC Pretorius, 22 Haashim Pead, 23 Boeta Chamberlain
New Zealand – revised: 15 Beauden Barrett, 14 Fehi Fineanganofo, 13 Rieko Ioane, 12 Timoci Tavatavanawai, 11 Emoni Narawa, 10 Richi Mo’unga, 9 Noah Hotham, 8 Semisi Ta’eiloa, 7 Ethan Blackadder, 6 Wallace Sititi, 5 Patrick Tuipulotu (captain), 4 Sam Darry, 3 Pasilio Tosi, 2 Samisoni Taukei’aho, 1 Siale Lauaki
Replacements: 16 Bradley Slater, 17 Xavier Numia, 18 Saula Ma’u, 19 Jamie Hannah, 20 Peter Lakai, 21 Kyle Preston, 22 Josh Jacomb, 23 Anton Lienert-Brown.
Date: Tuesday, August 25
Venue: Ellis Park, Johannesburg
Kick-off: 19.00 (17.00 GMT; August 26, 05.00 NZT)
Referee: Angus Gardner (Australia)
Assistant referees: Karl Dickson (England), Nika Amashukeli (Georgia)
TMO: Brett Cronan (Australia)
