LIONS HEAD COACH Warren Gatland has brought Conor Murray into his starting XV for Saturday’s second Test against South Africa in Cape Town [KO 5pm Irish/UK time, Sky Sports].
The Ireland scrum-half replaces Ali Price in what is one of three changes made by Gatland.
Scotland centre Chris Harris has been named at outside centre, with Elliot Daly dropping to the bench, and Mako Vunipola starts at loosehead prop, with Rory Sutherland making way.
Murray comes into the starting XV alongside Ireland team-mates Jack Conan, Robbie Henshaw, and Tadhg Furlong – all of whom hold onto their places after last weekend’s first Test victory. Tadhg Beirne is among the replacements again.
Out-half Dan Biggar has been retained named in the number 10 shirt after a head injury last weekend but he needs to complete his return-to-play protocols and assessment by an independent concussion consultant in order to be cleared to start on Saturday.
Gatland has also named Taulupe Faletau on the bench, with Hamish Watson dropping out of the matchday 23, as does Liam Williams.
The Springboks are due to name their starting XV and bench this afternoon.
Lions (v South Africa):
15. Stuart Hogg
14. Anthony Watson
13. Chris Harris
12. Robbie Henshaw
11. Duhan van der Merwe
10. Dan Biggar
9. Conor Murray
1. Mako Vunipola
2. Luke Cowan-Dickie
3. Tadhg Furlong
4. Maro Itoje
5. Alun Wyn Jones (captain)
6. Courtney Lawes
7. Tom Curry
8. Jack Conan
Replacements:
16. Ken Owens
17. Rory Sutherland
18. Kyle Sinckler
19. Tadhg Beirne
20. Taulupe Faletau
21. Ali Price
22. Owen Farrell
23. Elliot Daly.
Referee: Ben O’Keeffe [New Zealand].
- Originally published at 9.59
