Lions vs South Africa 2021: date and kick off time of first rugby Test match, teams - and how to watch on TV

The Lions and South Africa have announced their teams ahead of the first Test match in Cape Town on Saturday (24 July).

All three games will now be played in the city as Covid-19 continues to take a grip on Gauteng, where the second and third Tests were due to be held.

Alun Wyn Jones has completed a remarkable comeback to captain the Lions on his fourth tour with the side. The Welsh captain dislocated his shoulder four weeks ago in a match against Japan at BT Murrayfield.

Warren Gatland’s side will be without the usual sea of red cheering them on from the stands, but memories of their series lost 12 years ago will still be fresh in the mind.

Here’s all you need to know about how to watch the first Lions vs South Africa Test match.

What time will Lions vs South Africa kick off?

The first Test match will kick off at 5pm BST in Cape Town on Saturday 24 July.

How to watch the match on TV?

The match will be available to watch live on Sky Sports. The game will be available to stream on the channel, the broadcasters website and via the SkyGo app.

Highlights will be available to watch on All4.

Where is the game being played?

All three games will now be played in Cape Town as Covid-19 continues to take a grip on Gauteng, where the second and third Tests were due to be held.

Cape Town Stadium was built for the 2010 FIFA World Cup. The arena has hosted five World Rugby Sevens Series events, and has also hosted exhibition tennis matches.

Who’s in the Lions XV?

Stuart Hogg; Anthony Watson, Elliot Daly, Robbie Henshaw, Duhan van der Merwe; Dan Biggar, Ali Price; Wyn Jones, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Tadhg Furlong; Maro Itoje, Alun Wyn Jones (capt); Courtney Lawes, Tom Curry, Jack Conan.

Reps: Ken Owens, Rory Sutherland, Kyle Sinckler, Tadhg Beirne, Hamish Watson, Conor Murray, Owen Farrell, Liam Williams.

Who’s in the South Africa XV?

Willie le Roux, Cheslin Kolbe, Lukhanyo Am, Damian de Allende, Makazole Mapimpi, Handre Pollard, Faf de Klerk; Ox Nche, Bongi Mbonambi, Trevor Nyakane, Eben Etzebeth, Franco Mostert, Siya Kolisi (capt), Pieter-Steph du Toit, Kwagga Smith.

Reps: Malcolm Marx, Steven Kitshoff, Frans Malherbe, Lood de Jager, Rynhardt Elstadt, Herschel Jantjies, Elton Jantjies, Damian Willemse.

Odds

South Africa: Evens

Draw: 18/1

Lions: Evens