We can at least say that the Lions have been challenged in these matches. They haven't been given easy run-ins, which is good, as it's shown that the team hasn't wilted under pressure.
On that note, I wouldn't be unhappy if ROG started. He proved himself in the first test and this last one that he's comfortable enough with the tasks he's been set.
If we can manage the breakdown, I think we'll win. The Saffas are at the start of their international season and most of the players haven't played for at least three weeks. If we don't win, then it'll be a whitewash series in favour of SA.
Francois Steyn v Lee Byrne - Byrne. No contest really.
JP Pietersen v Tommy Bowe - Bowe. Lol Pietersen.
Adrian Jacobs v BOD - BOD
Jean de Villiers v JR - JdV. The BOD - Roberts combo works better as a duo than their SA counterparts, imo, so as long as our flyhalf isn't throwing wild passes, I'm confident they'll be able to contain the SA pair.
Bryan Habana v Monye - Monye. This is close, but I hear Habana has been shite for a while, whereas Monye's been solid in defence and has done little wrong. I haven't been watching the Super 14 though so meh.
Ruan Pienaar v Jones - Jones. Could be ROG, and I still think we'd have the advantage here. Pienaar not experienced enough.
Fourie du Preez v Phillips - Du Preez. No contest really. Fourie is the best scrum half in the world and dragged the Bulls to glory this year.
Based on what I think the Lions' backline will look like. Not that our advantage here will matter if the backrow can't secure good ball.
Not going to bother with the front row, since I don't know much about Du Plessis or Mtaawawwawawaa:
Bakkies Botha v Wyn Jones - Botha. Could well be Hines playing here, though.
Victor Matfield v O'Connell - tie. The two best locks in the world. Not a lot between them.
Heinrich Brussow v Wallace - Wallace. I'm with shtove in that the referee let Brussow get away with genocide in the Cheetahs game. If the same happens in this match then God help us.
Juan Smith v Williams - Smith, for his strength, as well as his cunning which matches Williams'.
Pierre Spies v Heaslip - Spies. Think it's close though. Heaslip's a star in the making.[/b]