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Adams starts in final British and Irish Lions warm-up clash

International | 15th July 2021


Josh Adams will start on the wing as British & Irish Lions take the field for their final warm-up match ahead of the three-Test series against South Africa.

The Cardiff Rugby wing, who has eight tries in three outings to date, returns to the starting line-up as Warren Gatland's side take on DHL Stormers at Cape Town.

The 26 year old was a late withdrawal from last night's defeat to a strong South Africa 'A' outfit, as he joined his partner, Georgia, via Zoom to witness the birth of his first child.

This morning, Adams confirmed the birth of daughter, Lottie Efa Adams, via his Instagram profile. 

With one final opportunity to stake a claim for a place in the Test team, Gatland has made a host of changes with Stuart Hogg returning to captain the side following a period of isolation in Johannesburg.

Duhan van der Merwe completes the back three with Robbie Henshaw and Elliot Daly forming a centre partnership.

Harlequins' Marcus Smith links up with Ali Price at half back to make his debut in the famous red jersey while the back row consists of Ireland duo Tadhg Beirne and Jack Conan, alongside Scotland openside Hamish Watson.

Adam Beard, who impressed from the bench against South Africa A, partners Jonny Hill at second row with the front row of Rory Sutherland, Luke Cowan-Dickie and Tadhg Furlong completing the starting line-up.

Elsewhere, tour captain Alun Wyn Jones makes a miraculous recovery from a dislocated shoulder to take his place on the bench, and is joined amongst the replacements by Wales team-mates Gareth Davies and Louis Rees-Zammit.

Head coach Gatland said: “For the matchday 23 it’s their last opportunity to stake a claim for a Test place, so I expect to see a highly motivated group of players.

“It is particularly pleasing to be able to name Stuart Hogg in the squad. He’s not had much luck on Lions Tours to date, so it’ll be great to see him cross the whitewash again with the captain’s armband.

“I’m also delighted that Marcus will get his first start in a Lions jersey. I’ve been really impressed with his attitude since coming into camp this week; he’s been like a sponge for information.

“Obviously it’s a tight turnaround from Wednesday’s game but we’re in pretty good shape. The South Africa ‘A’ game was a physical encounter – we always knew it would be – but we’ve come out of it pretty much intact and ready to go again. Liam Williams will begin his return to play protocol following his HIA.

“We learnt a lot from Wednesday’s game and I hope the defeat will serve us well. There’re still some areas of the game we need to tighten up on, particularly reducing our turnover rate.

“Time and again on this Tour we’ve had to adapt in the face of the challenges created by COVID-19. I couldn’t be prouder of the staff and the players for the role each of them has played to get us to this point on the Tour.”

DHL STORMERS v THE BRITISH & IRISH LIONS

Stuart Hogg – captain (Exeter Chiefs, Scotland) #783

Josh Adams (Cardiff Rugby, Wales) #836

Elliot Daly (Saracens, England) #822

Robbie Henshaw (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #824

Duhan van der Merwe (Worcester Warriors, Scotland) #841

Marcus Smith (Harlequins, England)

Ali Price (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) #843

Rory Sutherland (Worcester Warriors, Scotland) #840

Luke Cowan-Dickie (Exeter Chiefs, England) #851

Tadhg Furlong (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #818

Adam Beard (Ospreys, Wales) #852

Jonny Hill (Exeter Chiefs, England) #845

Tadhg Beirne (Munster Rugby, Ireland) #838

Hamish Watson (Edinburgh Rugby, Scotland) #847

Jack Conan (Leinster Rugby, Ireland) #839

Replacements:

Jamie George (Saracens, England) #819

Mako Vunipola (Saracens, England) #787

Zander Fagerson (Glasgow Warriors, Scotland) #848

Alun Wyn Jones (Ospreys, Wales) #761

Sam Simmonds (Exeter Chiefs, England) #849

Gareth Davies (Scarlets, Wales) #850

Chris Harris (Gloucester Rugby, Scotland) #844

Louis Rees-Zammit (Gloucester Rugby, Wales) #846

Saturday 17 July 2021

Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town

Kick-off: 5pm (BST)