Four Scottish players have been included in the British and Irish Lions team starting line-up for the Test against Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday.
Warren Gatland has included four Scottish players in the British and Irish Lions team to play Japan at Murrayfield on Saturday, the first preparation match for this year’s tour of South Africa.
Winger Duhan van der Merwe, props Rory Sutherland and Zander Fagerson and flanker Hamish Watson all start, while Scotland scrumhalf Ali Price is on the bench for the game that will be watched by 16,500 fans – likely to be the only sizeable crowd the Lions will see for the whole tour.
The Edinburgh fans will be delighted to have so many Scots to cheer on after they have been something of a sideshow for the Lions for a long time. The last Scot to start a Lions Test was prop Tom Smith in Australia 20 years ago.
Tour captain Alun Wyn Jones of Wales captains the team on Saturday.
The Lions have been preparing in a training camp in Jersey, though they are still without four Exeter players who will play against Harlequins in the Premiership final on Saturday.
“I’m pleased with the progress we’ve made but we’ve a long way to go,” Gatland said. “You can see that the squad are starting to get to grips with our game strategies, but, as always with a Lions Tour, this takes time to bed in.
“Everyone in the squad will get a start before the start of the Test series, so each member of the squad can put their hand up for Test selection.
The Lions will play three Tests in South Africa on July 24 and 31 and August 7.
The Springboks have not played a game since beating England in the World Cup final in 2019 and will warm up for the series with Tests against Georgia.
Lions team to play Japan
Liam Williams (Wales), Josh Adams (Wales), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), Dan Biggar (Wales), Conor Murray (Ireland), Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Ken Owens (Wales), Zander Fagerson (Scotland), Iain Henderson (Ireland), Alun Wyn Jones (capt, Wales), Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Hamish Watson (Scotland), Jack Conan (Ireland). Replacements: Jamie George (England), Wyn Jones (Wales), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Courtney Lawes (England), Taulupe Faletau (Wales), Ali Price (Scotland), Owen Farrell (England), Anthony Watson (England)
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Last time I was in SA, Zimbabwe, wasn't part of it!!!
Thistle
Roar Rookie
As I said, tired chat. Happy to lend a Scotsman to the AB's though even though he was born in Edinburgh and not Aotearoa. Let those with purity cast the first stone, and I reckon that would be SA
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
Hahaha Thistle, if you care to look, most of the PI, players of PI heritage, are born in Aotearoa, & brought up through the systems that are in place there. Admittedly, there are some that are not, but they too, have been the Aotearoa systems. Well even now there are the odd members of the BIL, squad that are of, or born , of PI heritage.
Rhys
Roar Rookie
Believe it’s on Stan sport
Tooly
Roar Rookie
Japan could win this one and give the Lions a no win tour. Perhaps they could play us.
Just Nuisance
Roar Rookie
He has developed something of a reputation as a poor defender.. Yet his 6N Stats showed no missed tackles entire comp.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
Got it. Though good to see all 4 nations well represented (assume a couple of Poms at least will come into the starting XV) in the British and Irish Lions.
Hazel Nutt
Roar Rookie
Has the Japanese team been announced yet? Also, does anyone know any broadcast details for Australia? Thanks!
Thistle
Roar Rookie
I wee bit tired this chat. Same flips the other way for Aus and NZ with their use of PI nation players. Note the Kiwis also have a Scottish born boy in their new squad - go figure Grateful to SA, who dont depend on imports, but export a lot of top grade beef. Isn't economics a wonderful thing....
Thistle
Roar Rookie
Super Maro had his last club game at the weekend and has joined the squad too late for inclusion in this game. Same holds for a lot of the English players.
Thistle
Roar Rookie
Scots crowd won't care. Historically we had lots of top players in rugby and football to chase big bucks down south or elsewhere. Always thus, nothing new. I think this is a massive test for Duhan, the Japanese speed and width will test his weak defensive play.
Reds Harry
Roar Rookie
No Poms in the starting XV LOL. Where's Maro Itoje for instance?
Muzzo
Roar Rookie
So what is it now, with the Lion's? It used to be the best players from four nations, combining to take on something that the teams from the British Isles don't achieve by themselves, on a regular basis. Now the Lion's are made up of players from not just the four nations, but a few players that were born elsewhere. Just asking, as it was a good discussion down the pub the other night.
mzilikazi
Roar Pro
Wonder how the Scottish crowd, or elements therein will react to Duhan van der Merwe. Lot of people app. not happy he is moving the Worcester. Prob. can't draw many conclusions from this team, but would think a fair sprinkle of Test starters playing.