Maggie Alphonsi names three changes Warren Gatland MUST make to Lions XV

Monday, 02 August 2021 at 11:20

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byRugby Rucker

Lions coach Warren Gatland has hinted at changes for the decisive Test and Maggie Alphonsi has ran the rule over who she thinks should be in the team.

The Lions, who edged the first Test and came to the second with momentum, had a shot at clinching their first series in the republic in 24 years but surprisingly lost control after half-time with the Springboks winning 27-9.

Here are the changes that Maggie Alphonsi would make:

#1. Liam Williams for Stuart Hogg

Alphonsi said: "The changes I would make is I would take Stuart Hogg off and have Liam Williams start at full-back. I think Hogg was targeted in this Test and did not handle the ball well in the air."

#2. Tadhg Beirne for Courtney Lawes

Alphonsi said: "I would also change Courtney Lawes at No.6. He had a huge impact in the first half but didn't really show that in the second. I think someone like Tadhg Beirne would offer something additional."

#3. Hamish Watson for Tom Curry

Alphonsi said: "Watson came into this summer as the Six Nations player of the year and did not put a foot wrong in the warm-up games. I do not mind admitting that I thought he was a shoo-in to start the Tests.

"The concern is that these guys have not played much rugby so will they be slightly undercooked coming into the third Test?"