South Africa A v Lions betting tips: Gatland rings the changes

Yet although Springboks head coach Jacques Nienaber is self-isolating after testing positive for Covid-19, director of rugby Rassie Erasmus takes charge of a strong squad that will look closer to a Test side than an A side.

South Africa were forced to call off their intended second Test with Georgia, and Nienaber wants to use this clash as a warm-up for the forthcoming Test series against the Lions.

Indeed, nine Springboks who played in the 2019 Rugby World Cup final against England have been named to start.

Willie le Roux starts at full-back for South Africa, with Cheslin Kolbe on the wing and Eben Etzebeth in the second row, while fellow World Cup winner Lukhanyo Am is captain in the absence of Kolisi.

Lions coach Gatland has moved Watson to full-back, with the prolific Josh Adams – who has scored eight tries for the Lions – on one wing and Louis Rees-Zammit on the other, as Duhan van der Merwe is rested.

The Lions’ back row is strong, with plenty of competition for places and this time Gatland has opted for flankers Josh Navidi and Tom Curry, with Taulupe Faletau (pictured above) at number eight.

With Finn Russell unavailable with an Achilles injury, Biggar will have a chance to cement his place at number 10, but England captain Owen Farrell has been left out because of an abdominal strain, although he should return for Saturday’s game against the Stormers.

Lions could roar early

The Lions have covered big handicaps with plenty to spare in their first two matches in South Africa, and they are 10/11 to overcome a two-point handicap on Wednesday.

The news that Wales captain Alun Wyn Jones could make a sensational return in time for the Test series, after seeing dramatic progress in his recovery from the dislocated shoulder that appeared to have ended his tour, will have cheered Gatland.

“A few weeks ago, we didn’t think there was an option and he’s been back fully training with Wales. He’s trained this week with them,” said Gatland.

“That’s a real positive and it would be a boost to the squad having someone of his experience and calibre to come in.”

South Africa have not had an international game of any note recently, so may take a while to get find their rhythm.

The Lions have led comfortably at the interval in both tour games thus far and they are 6/5 to lead at half-time and full-time on Wednesday.

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All odds and markets correct as of date of publication