Following the opening Test series loss to the British & Irish Lions, what changes should be made to the Springboks’ lineup for the decisive second Test on Saturday?
The Boks will be seeking to defy history after losing the first Test against the British & Irish Lions at Cape Town Stadium this past Saturday.
After going into the break 12-3 up, the World Cup champions were outplayed in the second half, in which the Lions scored 19 points and conceded only five.
It is the 14th Lions tour of South Africa – and, as history reveals, the team winning the first Test has gone on to win the series 12 times. The only exception was in 1955, when the Springboks came back to share a four-Test series.
Springbok head coach Jacques Nienaber will have some key decisions to make over his match-day 23 for the next Test match.
Nienaber opted for a five-three split between forwards and backs on the bench, moving away from the six-two split that worked so well during the 2019 World Cup.
However, the bench had little impact in the first Test as the Lions took control and forced the Boks into errors and conceding penalties.
No 8 Kwagga Smith has also come under fire for his performance, particularly after he was targeted under the high ball by the Lions backline.
It could also be argued that experienced prop duo Steven Kitshoff and Frans Malherbe, on the bench for the first Test, would be better served by starting in the second, rather than playing as impact players.
SARugbymag.co.za give you the chance to vote for which change you would most like to see to the Springboks’ match-day 23 for the second Test in Cape Town.
