Cell C Sharks v Lions betting tips: Visitors face depleted hosts

He completes the back-row, while Scotland full-back Stuart Hogg is covering fly-half, just as he did against the Combined Country on the 2013 tour of Australia.

Zander Fagerson, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Gareth Davies will also make their debuts, while Elliot Daly, who has not played at centre for England since 2016, starts at 13.

The back-three is made up of Liam Williams at full-back, Anthony Watson on the right wing, and Duhan van der Merwe on the left, while Bundee Aki partners Daly in midfield.

With the Lions’ clash against the Vodacom Bulls this weekend reportedly in ‘severe doubt’ after several members of the provincial side tested positive for Covid-19, the stakes for those playing against the Cell C Sharks will be high, as there may be fewer chances to impress Gatland ahead of the Test series.

“It’s a quick turnaround from Saturday, but we’ll be ready to go by Wednesday night,” said Gatland.

“I’m pleased we managed to come through the weekend’s game unscathed, and the boys have rested and recovered well. We feel like we’re slowly building, but, as ever, there’s still room for improvement in all facets of our game.

“Wednesday night is another chance for us to have a look at a few more combinations. I’m looking forward to seeing how the back row goes; it’s an exciting mixture and one that we hope will offer something a bit different.

“We expect another physical test against a side who are known for their power play and ambition.”

Sharks missing Springboks skipper

The Lions will face a depleted Sharks team, as several of their players – including South Africa captain Siya Kolisi – are preparing for the Springboks’ fixture against Georgia on Friday.

Gatland added that he was “not trying to think too much” about his Test side, but admitted “some good performances” in victories against Japan and the Sigma Lions had already made his job “tough”.

Cell C Sharks can be backed at 9/1 to cause an upset with the draw available at 50/1.

The British and Irish Lions easily overcame a 23-point handicap against the Sigma Lions and they are Evens to prevail conceding a 24-point start, with the Cell C Sharks also Evens with a 24-point advantage. The handicap tie is 33/1.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication