Warren Gatland could not be happier with the star-studded South Africa A team named to take on his British & Irish Lions side as he looks to learn from their 2009 series defeat.
“I keep referring back to 2009 when we had the first Test, we had played other teams that were under strength in terms of not having the Springboks and we weren’t quite ready.
“We thought we were better prepared than we were so that’s in the back of my mind and the fact I’ve seen that side, it will give a good indication of where both teams are.”
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber named 18 Rugby World Cup winners in a strong South Africa ‘A’ team captained by Lukhanyo Am for their clash with the British & Irish Lions in a Castle Lager Lions Series match at Cape Town Stadium on Wednesday.
The starting XV features five players who started in the Springboks’ Test against Georgia a little over two weeks ago while Morne Steyn, who kicked the penalty goal to win a series against the Lions 12 years ago, makes his reacquaintance with the famous red jersey.
“We’ve seen the team that they’ve announced, and it looks pretty strong. They’ve probably gone with as strong as team as they possibly can given that they still have players unavailable,” he said.
“I probably wasn’t expecting them to be as strong as they are, they are obviously short of games, but I’m absolutely delighted with the team they have put out.
“It’s going to be a good test for us. I spoke to some of the players, some of the forwards about making the most of their opportunities now all the players will have had a couple of games.
“We’ve reiterated how close some of these selections are going to be and there’s going to be some fine margins, it’s about going out there giving your best and making the most of it.
“That helps our preparation immensely so we’ll kind of get a feel of where we are and what things we need to work on in the ten days leading into the first Test match.
“I’m really pleased with how strong that team is. Even though it’s a South African A game it’s going to be a tough challenge and everything is about winning the Test series.