A Table Topping Performance Needed

British and Irish Lions vs. Emerging Springboks
23th June 2009
KO 7.10 Local Time
Newlands, Cape Town

All eyes on Newlands, Cape Town tonight as the British and Irish Lions prepare for the final mid-week game of the tour against the Emerging Springboks.

Lions' coach Ian McGeechan has underlined the importance of this game, to get the Lions tour back on track after the disappointing defeat on Saturday.

A loss tonight under Table Top Mountain could be disastrous for the Lions confidence ahead of a make or break game against the senior Boks on Saturday.

Key Lion:

I was surprised to see Martyn Williams in the starting line up. If Geeks was thinking of starting him on this Saturday, I doubt he would have started him. But the McGeechan has given Welsh veteran a chance to prove his worth. He will be key to the game tonight and a solid performance may get Geek's to rethink.

Who else is pushing for a place?

The whole front row! Well nearly all. Who will start with Gethin Jenkins on Saturday? Anything is up for grabs.

Shane Williams? Some magic from the IRB player of the year could give him a chance to make at least the bench on Saturday.

Alan Wyn Jones test is place could be up for grabs. All three second rowers will be pushing.

The Emerging Springboks

The Emerging Springbok's are a team made up of uncapped South African future stars.

The side includes Earl Rose and Morgan Newman, who are currently in the South African squad.

One to Watch:

Full Back - Zane Kirchner - One of the shining lights of the Blue Bull's Super 14 winning team. The 24 year old was unlucky to miss out on the senior squad.

Prediction

A tough first half battle, which the Lions will come through by 7 points.