Few shocks as Lions have much in reserve

AFTER all the speculation, the Lions side to contest tomorrow’s opening test was widely predictable and lacked the bolter element of Paul Wallace and Jeremy Davidson 12 years ago.

The inclusion of Henrick Brussow on the Springbok side ensured that when the Lions management discussed their selection to contest the all-important breakdown area, the temptation to include Martyn Williams must have been huge.

With the certainty that Warren Gatland would want Tom Croft in the back row to help counter South Africa’s supreme lineout, the possibility of accommodating both Williams and David Wallace in the trio was not possible. In any case Williams has had a fragmented tour due to injury and has to be content with a place on the bench.