Alun Wyn Jones is set to cap a remarkable recovery from a shoulder injury by playing for the British & Irish Lions against the Stormers at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
Coach Warren Gatland said on Thursday that Wyn Jones would take the field as a replacement in the second half of the Lions’ final match before the first Test against the Springboks at the same venue on 24 July.
“He needs 20 minutes,” said Gatland. “I know he’s travelled and only arrived today, but if he’s in contention for next week he needs to have a run.”
The veteran Wales lock was named in the match-day squad just hours after arriving in South Africa on Thursday.
Wyn Jones was due to captain the tour party before being injured in a pre-tour match against Japan on 26 June, an injury which initially ruled him out of the tour.
His selection as a replacement could be significant because Gatland said later in Thursday’s media conference that the strength of the Lions bench would be crucial in the three Tests against the world champion Springboks.
“The games are going to be very physical, so impact off the bench will be important,” said Gatland.
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