Warren Gatland makes three changes as Lions go on the hunt for series win

Head coach Warren Gatland has made three changes for the second Lions Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.

Prop Mako Vunipola replaces Rory Sutherland, with scrum-half Conor Murray in for Ali Price and centre Chris Harris starting in place of Elliot Daly.

Number eight Taulupe Faletau is on the bench after missing out on selection for the first Test. Meanwhile his Welsh teammate Dan Biggar has been named to start, subject to his passing of a concussion protocol test.

The Lions recovered from being 12-3 down at half time to win the series opener 22-17.

Famously never one to abide by the ‘never change a winning side’ mantra, Gatland was always likely to ring the changes for the second Test.

“As always, selection was incredibly tough,” said the former All Black.

“However, we’ve made the changes we think are the right calls for the weekend’s game.”

Chris Williams, bigger and more physical than Elliot Daly, is expected to come in and combat some of the physicality that the Lions struggled to deal with for much of the opening period in the first Test.

“We know the Springboks will be hurting and they’ll throw everything at us on Saturday, but I think there’s plenty more to come from us too,” said Gatland.

“It’s the biggest game on the Tour and we have to embrace the expectation that comes with it. As players and coaches, these are the games you want to be involved in.

“We’re relishing the opportunity to face the Springboks again on Saturday and potentially seal a Series win,” concluded Gatland.