Warren Gatland favoured Adam Beard over Tadhg Beirne to counter Springbok maul

Munster forward Beirne provided lock and back-row cover in the first two Lions matches against the world champion Springboks

Tadhg Beirne. Picture: INPHO/Billy Stickland

Warren Gatland has revealed his thinking about replacing Tadhg Beirne with Adam Beard as his lock replacement for the third Test on Saturday.

The Lions head coach believes Wales second row Beard, a late call-up for the tour following Alun Wyn Jones’ dislocated shoulder against Japan, will be better equipped to counter South Africa’s driving maul in the latter stages of the game and named him as back up for Jones and Maro Itoje.