The strength of the side has seen Murray label the game a fourth Test. Tomorrow’s match will provide by some distance their sternest test of the tour, especially up front, with the Boks picking a mighty pack including Eben Etzebeth, Steven Kitshoff and Pieter-Steph du Toit.
The Lions, whose 38-man squad is being stretched by injuries — Owen Farrell and Robbie Henshaw are expected to be involved against the Stormers on Saturday — have also fielded a strong side, which includes Murray and Dan Biggar at half-back.
The Lions have rejected the Springboks’ request to replace provincial side the Stormers with another South Africa A fixture on Saturday. That is the final hit-out before the First Test on July 24 for the Lions, who still have plenty of decisions to make about the shape of their side.
The Boks have a group of players self-isolating after contracting Covid-19, including captain Siya Kolisi and fly-half Handre Pollard, both of whom appear unlikely to make the First Test.
