SIR CLIVE WOODWARD: Maro Itoje v Franco Mostert is among five key battles that will decide the opening test between the Lions and South Africa
- Drop goal threats of Dan Biggar and Handre Pollard could prove to be vital
- Tom Curry’s battle with Faf de Klerk is crucial to stopping South Africa’s rhythm
- The upcoming test series will be Warren Gatland’s third in charge of the Lions
Former England coach Sir Clive Woodward selects his five key battles for Saturday’s opening test between the Lions and South Africa.
The upcoming tour will be Warren Gatland’s third in charge of the Lions, after triumphing over Australia in 2013 they were held to a draw by New Zealand four years later.
Ahead of the opening test at Cape Town stadium Sir Clive has highlighted the five crucial areas where Saturday’s test will be won and lost.
Sir Clive Woodward has has selected five key battles that he feels will decide Saturday’s test
MARO ITOJE V FRANCO MOSTERT
Maro Itoje’s (pictured) clash with South Africa’s Franco Mostert is set to be a ‘clash to savour’
Lean, athletic, middle-of-the-line aces who account for plenty of high-quality ball but much more than that. Supremely mobile, they are both a menace at the breakdown and adept at charging down clearance kicks from opposition nines.
A clash to savour.
DAN BIGGAR V HANDRE POLLARD
Both must be at their goal-kicking best and eye up drop-goal opportunities because this match could well come down to one score. Biggar’s other main challenge will be launching a very potent back division and not overdoing the kicking, while Pollard must concentrate on getting through the game. It’s a long time since he put a significant run of matches together.
ROBBIE HENSHAW V DAMIAN DE ALLENDE
Damien de Allende’s (pictured) battle with Robbie Henshaw will set the tone for the contest
Big hard men and strong ball-carriers in the midfield, both will be looking to dish out some stick as well as take the big hits. They will set the tone for the level of physicality behind the scrum. Not for the fainthearted.
STUART HOGG V WILLIE LE ROUX
The two full backs are glorious attacking players — creators and try-scorers — but this is a Lions-Springboks Test and their defences will be cruelly tested as well.
The ‘bombs’ will be heading their way and those awkward grubbers that need to be dealt with quickly and efficiently.
Who will blink first?
TOM CURRY V FAF DE KLERK
Tom Curry will be aware stopping Faf De Klerk is crucial to disrupting the Springboks rhythm
Curry knows De Klerk’s every muscle twitch and little tell. He also knows that if you stop Faf you are half way to stopping this Boks side.
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