Jamie George to lead Lions for second encounter against Sharks

British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has named England international Jamie George as the captain for the upcoming tour game against the Sharks at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

The game has been given green light after the player, who tested positive earlier in the week has returned negative twice. This means currently just one player, who was a close contact to the positively tested member of the management continues to be in isolation leaving Gatland almost a full squad to select from.

Gatland has made a total of 13 changes to the side that defeated Sharks 54-7 on Wednesday at Ellis Park with centre Elliot Daly and wing Duhan van der Merwe being the only players retained.

Liam Williams at fullback with van der Merwe joined by Anthony Watson at wing while Daly and Chris Harris are at midfield. Dan Biggar will take the kicking responsibility forming halfback partnership with Gareth Davies while George is joined by Tadhg Furlong and Rory Sutherland at front row.

Maro Itoje and Jonny Hill are the preferred locks with Tadhg Beirne and Hamish Watson at blindside and openside respectively and is joined in back row by Jack Conan.

“It’s obviously been a slightly turbulent week, but we remain determined to keep rolling with the punches,” Gatland said.

“In many ways, the challenges we’ve faced this week have strengthened our resolve to do everything we can to overcome the challenges created by Covid.

“The feeling in the camp on Wednesday night was just to give it a crack. I was really proud by how everyone reacted, particularly the matchday squad who would have never prepared for a game like that before.

“Saturday is another opportunity to see how the boys go and for us as coaches to try out a few more combinations ahead of the Test series.

“I have long been an admirer of Jamie’s leadership skills, so I’m delighted to name him skipper.

“We want to pass on thanks to the Sharks boys for fronting up and going again on Saturday. That’s the spirit of rugby and a great chance for them to have another shot at us.”

British & Irish Lions: 15 Liam Williams, 14 Anthony Watson, 13 Elliot Daly, 12 Chris Harris, 11 Duhan van der Merwe, 10 Dan Biggar, 9 Gareth Davies, 8 Jack Conan, 7 Hamish Watson, 6 Tadhg Beirne, 5 Jonny Hill, 4 Maro Itoje, 3 Tadhg Furlong, 2 Jamie George (c), 1 Rory Sutherland

Reserves: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Wyn Jones, 18 Kyle Sinckler, 19 Courtney Lawes, 20 Sam Simmonds, 21 Tom Curry, 22 Conor Murray, 23 Finn Russell