Alun Wyn Jones is reportedly set to captain a Lions team for the first Test that does not feature Owen Farrell, Taulupe Faletau or Conor Murray.
The Times report that Dan Biggar, Wyn Jones and Ken Owens will be the only other Welsh presence in the matchday 23 with six Englishmen in the starting XV
Head coach Warren Gatland will announce his Test squad tomorrow but the players were told the team before this afternoon’s training session at the squad’s base an hour from Cape Town.
Here’s how social media has reacted to the leaked selection.
Stephen Mullins on Twitter wrote harshly: “Probably the worst test starting 15 ever from the lions?”
Another supporter added: “Springboks win first test, if that’s the team.”
Anthony said: “If that expected Lions team is to be believed then it could be a long game on Saturday at set piece time. No Beirne in the starting XV or Beard in the matchday squad would be criminal.”
Some supporters believe Gatland is out to trick the media, saying: “Im gonna wait for Tomorrow… Its Gatland and he knows how to fool the media.”
Another added: “Can’t imagine this will be exactly the team for tomorrow. Gatland has done this many times for wales.”
Expected British & Irish Lions team to face South Africa
BACK-THREE:
- 15. Stuart Hogg
- 14. Anthony Watson
- 11. Duhan van der Merwe
CENTRES:
- 13. Elliot Daly
- 12. Robbie Henshaw
