South Africa v Lions: Teams
Lions flanker Tom Croft insists that his nerves will be under control despite being selected for the biggest game of his career.
Last Updated: 20/06/09 12:57pm
British and Irish Lions flanker Tom Croft insists that his nerves will be under control despite being selected for the biggest game of his career.
Three years ago, Croft was struggling to get into the Leicester side - however now he is prepared to take on one of the best back-rows in world rugby.
And although Croft admits the match against South Africa is a dream come true, he claims he will be fully focused on the battle ahead.
"I am very, very excited. I never thought this day would ever happen," he said.
"Looking back two or three years ago, I was struggling to get into the Leicester side and had never played for England.
"To be at this point now, I would never have dreamt it. I can't wait for Saturday to pull on that red shirt.
"This seems to have come very, very quickly for me. I've had two years playing for my country, and now I'm playing for the Lions.
"I have always thought the Lions were something you do when you are 25 or 26, later in your career. It's a lot to take in.
"I've played a lot of big games for Leicester, and it all helps controlling your nerves so that when you turn up you have your head right and are ready to go."
The Lions management have stuck to their promise of selecting the side on form, meaning IRB player of the year Shane Williams and prop Andrew Sheridan among those missing out.
Croft will take his place in the back-row alongside David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip - with Martyn Williams the unlucky man to miss out.
Intensive
Despite claims the Springboks will be undercooked for the Test series, scrum-half Fourie du Preez insists the hosts will be ready.
Coach Peter de Villiers opted to pull his players out of the warm-up games against the Lions, opting instead for intensive full-contact training and a run out against a Namibian Invitational XV.
However, du Preez claims the fact eight of the squad play for Super 14 champions the Bulls and eight play for the Sharks means that there will be no problems gelling.
"There are eight Bulls and eight Sharks in our 22 so that probably tells you how we'd like to play," said du Preez.
"There won't be a lot of rugby from our own half. Both the Bulls and the Sharks favour structuring their game but, within that structure, there is the freedom to have a full go if the opportunity is spotted."
The only surprises to the Boks side come with the inclusion of Frans Steyn as a makeshift full-back and Ruan Pienaar at fly-half.
Injury to Schalk Burger means that Heinrich Brussow - who was called up after an impressive display for the Cheetahs against the Lions - starts in the back-row.
South Africa: 15 Frans Steyn, 14 JP Pietersen, 13 Adi Jacobs, 12 Jean de Villiers, 11 Bryan Habana, 10 Ruan Pienaar, 9 Fourie du Preez, 8 Pierre Spies, 7 Juan Smith, 6 Heinrich Brüssow, 5 Victor Matfield, 4 Bakkies Botha, 3 John Smit (c), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Tendai Mtawarira.
Replacements: 16 Gurthrö Steenkamp, 17 Deon Carstens, 18 Andries Bekker, 19 Danie Rossouw, 20 Ricky Januarie, 21 Jaque Fourie, 22 Morné Steyn.
British & Irish Lions: 15 Lee Byrne, 14 Tommy Bowe, 13 Brian O'Driscoll, 12 Jamie Roberts, 11 Ugo Monye, 10 Stephen Jones, 9 Mike Phillips, 8 Jamie Heaslip, 7 David Wallace, 6 Tom Croft, 5 Paul O'Connell (c), 4 Alun-Wyn Jones, 3 Phil Vickery, 2 Lee Mears, 1 Gethin Jenkins.
Replacements: 16 Matthew Rees, 17 Adam Jones, 18 Donncha O'Callaghan, 19 Martyn Williams, 20 Harry Ellis, 21 Ronan O'Gara, 22 Rob Kearney.