Donal Lenihan: Selection puzzles, but Lions can set the ground rules against vulnerable Springboks

Donal Lenihan assesses the key talking points ahead of the first test

Alun Wyn Jones of the British & Irish Lions, and troops, during the captain’s run at the Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town, South Africa. Picture: Steve Haag/PA Wire

Just how undercooked is this Springbok squad?

Never before has a Lions side carried so many competitive advantages over their hosts into an opening test. At least that’s the way things appear from the outside looking in. We’re about to find out if these perceived gains are real or imaginary.