South Africa vs British & Irish Lions 2nd Test Preview & Tips - Hosts can level the series in 2nd Test

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 30 Jul 2021

Ralph Staniforth 30 Jul 2021

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South Africa vs British & Irish Lions predictions for Saturday’s 2nd Test
Match is being played at 17:00 BST at Cape Town Stadium
Can South Africa bounce back to level the series?
British & Irish Lions beat South Africa 22-17 in the 1st Test
Preview, tips, stats & team news

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South Africa vs British & Irish Lions first test

South Africa can level the series against the Lions in the 2nd Test at Cape Town Stadium (Getty Images)

South Africa vs British & Irish Lions Preview & Tips

South Africa led 12-3 at half-time last week but their lack of match fitness cost them dearly in the second 40. They will be better prepared this week, and quite desperate to level the series. A home win is tipped.

South Africa vs British & Irish Lions Predictions

The bookmakers have given both sides an even money shot at victory.

South Africa are the World Cup holders.
British & Irish Lions won the 1st Test 22-17.
British & Irish Lions have won 5 of their last matches.

Head to Head

The series is delicately poised after the first Test which the British & Irish Lions won 22-17 at the Cape Town Stadium.

South Africa Form

Since winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup South Africa have been devoid of Test match rugby due to the pandemic. In the lead up to the British & Irish Lions series the Springboks comfortably beat Georgia in the first Test but the second was canceled due to COVID infections.

That resulted in the players only playing one international fixture prior to the 1st Test against the British & Irish Lions last week. Yet, the Springboks started superbly and led 12-3 at the break.

The second half was a different affair as the Lions bounced back to win 22-17. There has been much criticism of the officials this week which could make for a tasty 2nd Test.

In order to stay alive in the series South Africa simply must win this match. With more game-time under their belt there will be a bit more confidence within the camp.

South Africa Team News

South Africa have made three changes to their side for this test. Ox Nche has been ruled out through injury while fellow prop, Trevor Nyekane drops to the bench. Frans Malherbe and Steven Kitzhoff will start in the front-row.

The only other change sees eighth man Kwagga Smith drop to the bench. Jasper Wiese makes his international debut at the back of the scrum.

British & Irish Lions Form

The British & Irish Lions arrived in South Africa as slight favourites and backed that up in the first Test. They beat the Springboks 22-17 at the Cape Town Stadium.

Prior to the match there was some concern after the Lions comfortably beat all the provincial sides. It was against weakened teams so their readiness for international rugby was questioned.

A slow start meant that Gatland’s men had to come back from 12-3 down at half time to eventually win 22-17. It was a brutally physical encounter with much the same expected this weekend.

British & Irish Lions Team News

Warren Gatland has made three changes to his side that won the 1st Test in Cape Town.

Mako Vunipola starts at loosehead after impressing off the bench last weekend. Chris Harris comes in for the injured Elliot Daly at outside centre while the impressive Ali Price drops to the bench with Conor Murray starting at scrumhalf.