Both the Lions and the Springboks have named their sides for the third and final test. The teams are as follows:

British & Irish Lions 15. Rob Kearney 14. Ugo Monye 13. Tommy Bowe 12. Riki Flutey 11. Shane Williams 10. Stephen Jones 9. Mike Phillips 8. Jamie Heaslip 7. Martyn Williams 6. Joe Worsley 5. Paul O'Connell (c) 4. Simon Shaw 3. Phil Vickery 2. Matthew Rees 1. Andrew Sheridan Replacements: 16. Ross Ford 17. John Hayes 18. Alun-Wyn Jones 19. David Wallace 20. Tom Croft 21. Harry Ellis 22. James Hook

Springboks 15. Zane Kirchner 14. Odwa Ndungane 13. Jaque Fourie 12. Wynand Olivier 11. Jongi Nokwe 10. Morné Steyn 9. Fourie du Preez 8. Ryan Kankowski 7. Juan Smith 6. Heinrich Brüssow 5. Victor Matfield 4. Johann Muller 3. John Smit (c) 2. Chiliboy Ralepelle 1. Tendai Mtawarira Replacements: 16. Bismarck du Plessis 17. Gurthrö Steenkamp 18. Deon Carstens 19. Steven Sykes 20. Pierre Spies 21. Ruan Pienaar 22. Frans Steyn

Both sides feature considerable changes. The Lions, mainly enforced by injury, while the Boks, who have lost two players to suspension, field a new look side with the clear intent of blooding a few youngsters. The Lions make 7 changes to their starting XV with one positional change - Tommy Bowe comes into the outside centre role, while Ugo Monye returns to take his position on the wing.

The Lions lost both centres and both props to injury during the second test, and Phil Vickery returns to the side alongside Matthew Rees and Andy Sheridan in the front row. Vickery experienced a torrid time in the series opener, but scrum coach Graham Rowntree is expecting the Wasps player to bounce back, "I've no doubt if selected he'll go out there and give a good display."

An all new centre pairing of Riki Flutey and regular winger Tommy Bowe takes the field in place of the injured Jamie Roberts and Brian O'Driscoll and Shane Williams defies his critics to claim a wing berth. The successful lock pairing of Shaw and O'Connell gets it's second run out, while in the back row Martyn Williams swaps his place on the bench with David Wallace and Joe Worsley comes into the side at the expense of Tom Croft who drops to the bench.

Luke Fitzgerald can count himself unlucky. After a solid display in the second test the management have clearly decided to gamble and thrown the mercurial but hugely out of form Williams into the mix. Ronan O'Gara is also relegated from the bench after an unfortunate ten minute cameo in the dying minutes of the second test. James Hook takes his place on the reserves bench.

Commenting on his selection Head Coach Ian McGeechan said, "A British & Irish Lions tour is a unique experience for players in the busy, modern professional rugby calendar. The 2009 Lions have thrown themselves into the spirit of the tour, have interacted with the people of South Africa and shown themselves to be great ambassadors for northern hemisphere rugby."

"As a squad they have met many challenges on the tour including playing two matches per week, the inevitable injuries and two narrow Test losses. Despite this they have remained a tight, focussed squad and I know those playing in the Third Test will give their all to ensure that we achieve a victory on Saturday."

"It is fair to say injuries have had an impact on the tour as you would expect including selection for the Third Test as we were unfortunate to lose Brian O'Driscoll, Jamie Roberts, Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones through injury last Saturday. However, the players coming into the starting XV are all talented international players and are as keen as ever to turn the tables on the Springboks. Last Saturday we were minutes away from winning and that is a huge positive to take into the Third Test."

"Andrew Sheridan, Joe Worsley and Martyn Williams will all be part of a Lions starting XV for the first time. Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips, skipper Paul O'Connell and Jamie Heaslip will earn the distinction of being in the starting XV for all three Test matches."

Tour manager Gerald Davies added, "The tour has been a wonderful experience and the team spirit has confirmed the best traditions of the Lions continues. The tour concludes on Saturday with the third and final Test in Johannesburg. The players are determined to ensure that all their hard work during the 10-match tour is rewarded with a Test victory. There is no doubt that little has separated the British & Irish Lions and the Springboks so far in what has been a tremendous series. Saturday should prove to be another great match."

The Springboks also make a host of changes, introducing Zane Kirchner of the Blue Bulls at fullback for his first cap and Morné Steyn for his first start in the Springbok jersey after his match winning super-sub effort last week.

In the pack, Bismarck du Plessis makes way for Chiliboy Ralepelle, Johann Muller makes his first start for two years in place of the banned Bakkies Botha while Brussow comes in for the banned Burger. Ryan Kankowski is handed the number 8. shirt in place of Pierre Spies after the man mountain failed to have the impact some, including myself thought he would.

Behind the scrum, South Africa field an entirely new backline with only scrum-half Fourie du Preez retained from the 2nd test. Olivier partners second test try scorer Jaque Fourie in the centres while Odwa Ndungane and Jongi Nokwe both start on the wing adding to their fledgling international careers.

Clarifying his intent to widen the Springbok player base, head coach Peter De Villiers had the following to say on the selection. “This is a very strong side. At the end of the Vodacom Super 14 I wanted to have 28 players who could play for the Springboks at any time and I think we’ve achieved that goal. I’m very happy with this selection."

The British & Irish Lions to face the Springboks in the must-win second test is as follows:

British & Irish Lions XV for 2nd Test

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Simon Shaw
5. Paul O'Connell (c)
6. Tom Croft
7. David Wallace
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Mike Phillips
10. Stephen Jones
11. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Rob Kearney


Replacements

16. Ross Ford
17. Andy Sheridan
18. Alun-Wyn Jones
19. Martyn Williams
20. Harry Ellis
21. Ronan O'Gara
22. Shane Williams


The starting 15 shows 5 changes from the one that took the field in Durban last Saturday. In the front row, Matthew Rees and Adam Jones join Gethin Jenkins to make up the first entirely welsh front row since 1955, while behind Simon Shaw claims Alun-Wyn Jones 4 shirt, Luke Fitzgerald takes Ugo Monye's spot on the wing and Rob Kearney comes into the side at 15 for the injured Lee Byrne.

On the bench Ross Ford, Andrew Sheridan and Shane Williams are new additions, but there is no space for Donncha O'Callaghan, Lee Mears and Phil Vickery or Ugo Monye all of whom drop out of the match day 22. The selection is a strong statement of intent from Ian McGeechan and the Lions management that they will continue to select on form, regardless of how harsh, ruthless or bold those selection calls may be.

Donncha O'Callaghan can consider himself unlucky as he was vying with Shaw and Jones for the other lock berth and after impressive performances against the Southern Kings, the Springboks and the Emerging Boks was beginning to hit a rich vein of form. The coaching staff have repayed the performances of Adam Jones and Matthew Rees with promotion from the bench directly into the starting line up and Luke Fitzgerald, who didn't even feature in last weekend's 22, now finds himself promoted directly into the starting 15.

The Lions meet the Boks for the second test match in Pretoria at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday. The game is a 'must-win' for the Lions as they currently trail the series 1-0. Loftus Versfeld, home of the Blue Bulls is a rugby stronghold in South Africa and the Lions can expect a hostile reception from the home crowd. Despite this, the huge traveling Lions supporters contingent are expected to be in fine voice and will pose a significant challenge for the locals in the singing and cheering stakes.

Speaking to the media following the team announcement, Lions coach Ian McGeechan said: "As a squad, the Lions still have everything to play for. The players know that the outcome of the Test series comes down to Saturday, and they are determined to take the series to a decider in Johannesburg."

"There were many positives to come out of the first Test that we have built upon this week. We have made five changes to the starting XV, but it will not change the way we want to play. Both teams will be better for the run last weekend, and we know we will have to step up our performance to ensure that we again take the game to the opposition and are more accurate in taking our opportunities.

The Springbok side to tackle the Lions in the second test is as follows:

Springbok XV

1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. John Smit – Captain
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Ruan Pienaar
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Adi Jacobs
14. JP Pietersen
15. Frans Steyn

Reserves:

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle
17. Deon Carstens
18. Andries Bekker
19. Danie Rossouw
20. Heinrich Brüssow
21. Jaque Fourie
22. Morné Steyn

The main change to the side sees Schalk Burger return to the 6 shirt to win his 50th cap at the expense of Henrich Brüssow, despite the Cheetah having such a successful game in the 1st test. It's no surprise really, given that Peter De Villiers recently said that he based 60% of what the Boks did up front around the huge presence of Schalk Burger. Brüssow has to settle for a spot on the bench.

The Bok management have chosen to retain Adi Jacobs at centre and Jaque Fourie and Morné Steyn once again have to settle for bench spots. The changes to the bench see Ricky Januarie lose his spot while Chiliboy Ralepelle comes in to the side in place of Gurthrö Steenkamp. The Springboks clearly plan to tighten the screw on what is now perceived to be a weak Lions front row.

Peter De Villiers has settled on a 5/2 split between backs and forwards and there is the distinct sense that he plans to shut the Lions down at source in scrum, lineout and breakdown. With no reserve scrum-half, Ruan Pienaar provides cover with Morné Steyn the recognised bench 10.

“We believe in the abilities of our players and we are confident that they will take things up a few notches on Saturday,” said Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers.

“We are a squad of 22 focused on a common objective, which is to go out and win a Test Series against a very good Lions team. We know that we will be faced by a Lions team that will be playing to level the Test Series and will provide us with a stern test. We must make sure that we are more than equal to the task.”
The Lions meet the Springboks in what is a 'must-win' game for the tourists this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The British & Irish Lions team to face the Springboks in the 1st Test at the ASBA Stadium in Durban on Saturday is as follows:

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)
10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)

8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)
7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
5. Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) Captain
4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
3. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
2. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

Replacements

16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
18. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
19. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
20. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)
21. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
22. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)

So, the speculation is over and the team is in the wild. Our predictions for the starting XV were spot on and the only places where Geech and POL disagreed was Kearney over Fitzgerald and O'Callaghan over Hines.

Paul O'Connell captains the side from lock as expected, while the half back pairing of Stephen Jones and Mike Phillips ends speculation that Ronan O'Gara could have pushed his case enough to warrant test team selection. The hotly contested no.7 shirt falls to David Wallace and Ugo Monye's performances to date have pushed him ahead of competitors Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Williams and even Rob Kearney.

The bench consists of a 4/3 split between forwards and backs with Welsh front row duo Rees and Jones pipping Sheridan and Ford to the post. The 22-man squad consists of 9 Welshman, 8 Irish and 5 Englishmen. No Scots have been selected. Euan Murray who was hotly tipped to be part of the squad has been rules out due to a sprained ankle sustained in the match against the Southern Kings on Tuesday.

Nathan Hines will also feel exceptionally unlucky to have missed out after a number of barnstorming performances in the 2nd row. Perhaps the surprise selection across the 22 is Donncha O'Callaghan on the bench. Most agreed that both Shaw and Hines had done more than the Munsterman, although his performance on Tuesday obviously thrust him into contention.

Other big losers are Fitzgerald who offers cover at centre, Andrew Sheridan who despite being labelled the most destructive scrummager in the NH by Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske is left out of the entire 22.

Geech and co. have chosen to go for very few wildcards in a team that to most has appeared to be relatively settled for some days now. Speaking to the media following the announcement, the head coach said, "The Test team has been picked on form following the six provincial matches. There were some very difficult calls to make as the players as a group and individually have done everything that we have asked of them and performed on the field."

"The preparation for the First Test has been very positive. It has been a challenge to reach the First Test with an unbeaten record as we have played a variety of provincial teams across the country."

"This challenge is a unique one in the modern rugby calendar in that it comes only in a Lions context these days. The players have had to adapt to preparing and playing more frequently. They have answered that challenge."

"It has been 20 years since a Lions team has won all of its' provincial matches leading up to the Test series so it is very satisfying to be in such a position. The entire squad and the management have worked hard to create an outstanding team environment. Everyone has done this very professionally and it is fair to say that I would not change anything that we have done so far."

"Playing South Africa on its home soil is one of the ultimate challenges for the British & Irish Lions,” added Davies, who was a victorious Lion in New Zealand 38 years ago. South Africa also happen to be world champions which adds an extra edge to the series, just as it did in 1997."

"The tradition between the Lions and the Springboks is legendary and after the six lead up provincial matches the rugby world is waiting with great anticipation for the First Test in Durban this Saturday."

Geech has stuck to his word and selected on form. None of the players involved could be considered to have been off form, and while there were contentious decisions to be made for the 11, 4, 10 and particularly 7 shirt, all the players selected have performed well.

The 1st Test will KO in Durban at the ASBA Stadium, otherwise known as Kings Park, on Saturday at 2pm BST.

Today's the day. At 12.30PM BST, Ian McGeechan will unveil the British & Irish Lions test team for the 1st encounter with the Springboks this Saturday in Durban.

We'll have the team announcement as soon as it is available and will be dissecting it in detail. For the players, the waiting is already over. They hear the selection at training this morning so it's only us who have to wait now! The Springboks have already named their team and we'll be looking at some of the key match-ups, the possible areas of superiority for both teams and the tactical gameplans likely sitting in the coaches thoughts.

Keep checking back, we'll keep you posted!

Finally, the Southern Kings XV!


1. J Engels

2. D Kuun

3. R Vermeulen

4. M Wentzel

5. R Skeate

6. M Mbiyozo

7. S Tyibilika

8. D Nell

9. F Hougaard

10. J van der Westhuyzen

11. M Turner

12. D Wet Barry

13. F Welsh

14. W Human

15. T Mangweni

Replacements (from):

S Westraadt
K Buys
L Payi
H Stride
J Fowles
M Stick
E Watts
B Fortuin
H Grimes
M Coetzee

Springbok head coach Peter de Villiers has announced his team to face the British & Irish Lions in the 1st Test in Durban The team is captain by John Smit at prop and is as follows:

Springbok Match Day 22

15. Frans Steyn
14. JP Pietersen
13. Adi Jacobs
12. Jean de Villiers
11. Bryan Habana
10. Ruan Pienaar
9. Fourie du Preez

8. Pierre Spies
7. Juan Smith
6. Heinrich Brussow
5. Victor Matfield
4. Bakkies Botha
3. John Smit (c)
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements:

16. Gurthro Steenkamp
17. Deon Carstens
18. Andries Bekker
19. Danie Rossouw
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Jaque Fourie
22. Morné Steyn.

The makeup of the Springbok XV has been clear to most commentators for some time, but today's announcement clarifies thinking in a number of key positions. Despite de Villiers assurances that he would make the 1st test, Schalk Burger has been left, out due to a calf strain and Cheetahs flanker Heinrich Brussow comes in to win only his second cap.

Ruan Pienaar is preferred at number 10 over uncapped Blue Bull Morné Steyn and PdV has brought an end to the speculation regarding the full-back position by naming Frans Steyn in the 15 shirt. It's a hugey experienced side boasting 707 caps across the 22. John Smit captains from tighthead, swapping out of his favoured position of hooker to make room for Bismarck du Plessis.

The Springboks face the Lions this Saturday at the ABSA Stadium in Durban.

Ugo Monye will start this afternoon's game against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth. Shane Williams has recovered from the stomach bug that put him in doubt for the game, but he will take Monye's place on the bench rather than running out in the starting 15.

As Monye is a likely test starter, Williams' illness will have put Ian McGeechan and the coaching staff in a difficult quandary. They'll have been trying to rest Bowe and Monye, who played on Saturday against Western Province and are favourite to start in the tests, but with Williams out, it seems that their hand has been forced. Monye may end up having to play three games in the space of 7 days, something basically unheard of in the modern game.

The Lions management may yet rue their choice to leave Leigh Halfpenny, and even Ryan Jones, un-replaced.