How often do the Lions win in South Africa?published at 16:19 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
Image source, BBC SportSummary
First Test result: South Africa 17-22 British & Irish Lions in Cape Town
Four Dan Biggar penalties and one from Owen Farrell help Lions to victory
Lions trailed world champions 12-3 at half-time before fighting back
Hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie's try at start of second half put Lions on front foot
TV match official confirms Faf de Klerk try but rules out two other scores
How often do the Lions win in South Africa?published at 16:19 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
Image source, BBC SportPostpublished at 16:17 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
Former Scotland player Jim Hamilton joins Lions fans in the pre-game excitement.
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End of twitter post'The bench is loaded with experience'published at 16:15 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
Chris Jones
BBC rugby union correspondentMako Vunipola coming into the matchday squad means six of the eight replacements were involved in the third Test against New Zealand in 2017.
While Warren Gatland has gone for form when it comes to his starting XV, the bench is loaded with previous Lions experience.
Postpublished at 16:12 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
Image source, Getty ImagesAll three Tests will now take place here, Cape Town Stadium, to reduce any possible disruption travelling in the coronavirus pandemic might bring.
In a lovely spot right by the water, the ground opened in December 2009 so the Lions have never played there.
Postpublished at 16:09 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
Former Scotland player Doddie Weir has sent his well wishes to the Lions.
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End of twitter postLions criticise "offensive" description of Smithpublished at 16:07 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
The British and Irish Lions and Harlequins have both criticised former Ireland international Neil Francis' "offensive" description of fly-half Marcus Smith.
Francis, 57, made a comment about Smith's skin colour in an episode of the Irish Independent's Left Wing podcast, which was published on 14 July but drew attention on social media this week.
"We find the remarks relating to Marcus Smith offensive and have written to the Independent to express our deep dissatisfaction," said the Lions.
Francis said: , external"I would never intentionally or wilfully make a comment to disparage somebody on the basis of the colour of anyone's skin."
Image source, Getty ImagesPostpublished at 16:05 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
Former Wales rugby sevens player Chris Knight shares his thoughts on Wyn Jones' injury.
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End of twitter postPostpublished at 16:03 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
Scottish Lions starters are just like buses, you wait 20 years for one...
When are the other Tests?published at 16:01 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
It's very simple for the next couple of weeks. If it's 5pm on a Saturday, don't make plans.
- 31 July - Second Test v Springboks,17:00 BST (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town)
- 7 August - Third Test v Springboks,17:00 BST (Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town)
Team newspublished at 15:59 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
The Lions have got their own magically reappearing captain in Alun Wyn Jones.
The Wales great dislocated his shoulder against Japan four weeks ago but somehow he is back and ready for the first Test.
Also of note is the number of Scots in the starting side - now up to four with Rory Sutherland.
Scrum-half Ali Price is preferred to Conor Murray, while Duhan van der Merwe and Stuart Hogg are in the back three.
British and Irish Lions: Hogg; A Watson, Daly, Henshaw, Van Der Merwe; Biggar, Price; Sutherland, Cowan-Dickie, Furlong, Itoje, AW Jones (capt), Lawes, Curry, Conan.
Replacements: Owens, Vunipola, Sinckler, Beirne, H Watson, Murray, Farrell, L Williams.
Image source, Getty ImagesTeam newspublished at 15:57 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
South Africa captain Siya Kolisi recovered from Covid-19 just in time to lead his side.
He will start in the back row in a XV that includes 11 of those who started the 2019 World Cup final win against England.
Handre Pollard will win his 50th international cap after being selected at fly-half.
Look out for wing Cheslin Kolbe who has, as per usual, stolen the headlines in the build-up to the match and has already caused the Lions some headaches in the South Africa A game.
South Africa: Le Roux; Kolbe, Am, De Allende, Mapimpi; Pollard, De Klerk; Nche, Mbonambi, Nyakane, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi (capt), Du Toit, Smith
Replacements: Marx, Kitshoff, Malherbe, De Jager, Elstadt, H Jantjies, E Jantjies, Willemse
Image source, Getty ImagesProp Jones out with shoulder injurypublished at 15:55 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
We'll kick things off with full team news in a minute, but first an update on a late change for the Lions.
Loosehead prop Wyn Jones has missed out on his chance to start because of a "minor shoulder injury" picked up in training on Thursday.
Scotland's Rory Sutherland is promoted to the starting XV while Lions veteran Mako Vunipola is brought onto the bench
“It’s really bad luck for Wyn and we all feel for him missing out on tonight’s game,” said Lions head coach Warren Gatland.
“However, we’re confident he’ll be back in training next week and have no plans to bring in anyone else at this stage.”
The late change is not ideal with the scrum expected to be one of the most challenging areas against South Africa.
Image source, Getty ImagesIt's happeningpublished at 15:53 British Summer Time 24 July 2021
South Africa v British and Irish Lions (17:00 BST)
Image source, InphoGet your game face on. The day is finally here.
Welcome to coverage of the British and Irish Lions' first Test against South Africa.