Lions change five for second Test

At first glance, it's difficult to know whether Ian McGeechan has made a knee-jerk reaction to a narrow defeat or a bold move in a bid to claw back the Test series with the side he's named.

In all, there are five changes from the side. No one can doubt that the Lions have made the right call in bringing in Welsh duo Adam Jones and Matthew Rees after Phil Vickery and Lee Mears struggled in the first Test.

And there always looked set to be a casualty at lock although Alan Wyn-Jones is perhaps a tad unlucky. Had his fellow second rower from the Durban Test, Paul O'Connell, not been the Lions captain then surely he would have kept his place. The ultimate throw of the dice and the right choice on form would have been to move O'Connell to the bench and play Simon Shaw, who's played well enough for his first Test start in what is his third Tour, alongside Wyn Jones. But perhaps McGeechan was worried about the message that dropping his skipper might have sent to both his players and the opposition.

In the backs, Rob Kearney is the sensible choice to replace Lee Byrne, although the Lions would probably have done better with Delon Armitage, who never even made the squad. And that leaves Ugo Monye, the unluckiest man of all to miss out on the starting line-up - Luke Fitzgerald replaces him - after a solid enough first Test performance. And being dropped altogether from the match-day 22 won't have helped his confidence.

But all in all, the Lions have made some bold moves that shouldn't be enough to unsettle the make-up of their side but should give a Springbok outfit with just one change something to think about. But will it be enough?

Comments

[Kenny Bruce]

Leicester Tigers & England supporter. It is a tragedy that two wonderful, exciting games of rugby have been highjacked by the press. When England won the world cup in Australia they won the forward battle with the same type of robust play that the Springboks employ. Did we call them thugs and a disgrace, no we cheared them for their winning the world cup. Rugby, up front, is a confrontational gladitorial affair and long may it remain so. All the ifs, buts and maybes will not change the record books. Congratulations Springboks, here's one pom that can loose in good grace.
While we are on the subject of citings and eye contact, ask Paul O what he had to say about Quin. being cited for making eye contact. A little different to what he is saying now. I think if it can be proved that a player deliberately tried to blind another player he should be banned for life. Neither the Quin. or Burg. incidents fall in this category and what they have got they both deserved. What kind of statement says we would have won if we had played 14 men. I want to win playing their best, but alas they have now put up a second string team so a victory would be a hollow one.

[Jez]

Come on boyz. Don't let us down watching at home.

[Stefan]

God, I hope the springboks roll over at the weekend for the good of the rest of the Lions tour. It's what everyone wants to see, unless of course your South African. On a side note, can't wait to see the Beast again. That boy is something else.

[pete]

What about popping Hook at full-back for a bit of a spicy change?

15 Hook
14 Williams
13 O'Driscoll
12 Roberts
11 Bowe
10 O'Gara
9 Phillips
1 Jones
2 Rees
3 Jenkins
4 Shaw
5 O'Callaghan
6 Croft
7 Wallace
8 Heaslip

[FezFan]

Why oh why oh why did Shaw not start that first Test. He's more athletic than any other second row out there and he can wreak havoc in open play, the same of which cldn't really be said for Paul O'Connell. I'm expecting an immense performance from him.

The thing that worries me is the back three. The Irish trio may have won the Grand Slam but I didn't think they were all that at the time.

[Welshy, Monmouth]

Shame to see Lee Byrne missing through injury, but the back three Irish players are very strong and used to playing with each other. Simon Shaw thoroughly deserves his starting place, and the Boks will be worried about him, a very strong pack and with the Welsh front row no going backwards this week. I still think they should start with Martin Williams, and great to see Shane Williams on the bench. Lions to win by 6pts. Batter and bruise those Boks.

[Springbok Sam]

Ain't going to matter what team the Lions put out. They're on to a loser at altitude this weekend.

[Gerry Tompkins]

There's some howlers in there. I still think Ross Ford's the best hooker in the squad and Rob Kearney's a tad average while Shane Williams hasn't become rubbish overnight.

My team'd be Earls (bit of a gamble I know but he showed glimpses midweek), Williams, O'Driscoll, Roberts, Bowe, Hook, Phillips, Jenkins, Ford, Jones, O'Callaghan, Shaw, Croft, Williams, Heaslip.

[Max]

Didn't Monye score a try and then nearly two more in the Test. Deserves his spot.

[Jacko]

Gutted about Byrne missing the rest of the tour because of a piddly broken thumb. He might not have hit his best but he's the sort of explosive player that can turn a series like this right around. Rob Kearny on the other hand is solid but unspectacular. Not sure the boks will be that worried by his arrival in the team.

[Hugh]

Drop O'Connell, don't make me laugh. You just can't get rid of your captain. I reckon Nathan Hines would have started with O'Connell had he not had that match ban. But all in I reckon McGeechan has made some pretty astute changes which will have the Boks worried if not exactly quaking in their boots. Sadly, I still reckon they'll win at the weekend but we can but dream.