Stormers v British & Irish Lions predictions and rugby union tips

Free rugby tips, best bets and analysis for the Stormers v the British & Irish Lions on Saturday.

Where to watch

Sky Sports Action, 5pm Saturday

Best bet

British & Irish Lions -37
2pts Evs bet365, Betfair

Match preview

Beware the wounded Lion. A midweek defeat to South Africa A has heightened the tension going into the final week before the first Test and sparked a war of words.

But before the Lions get the chance to set the record straight against the Springboks, it's back to provincial opposition, and the latest result plus a number of returning players may well set up a big win.

It's a whole different side taking to the pitch at Cape Town Stadium but the message to the group will surely be clear.

South Africa A were physically dominant for long spells in their 17-13 victory on Wednesday but all their points were scored in the first half.

Physicality and defence will surely have been the watchwords this week, especially after the Lions shipped 31 points to the Sharks last Saturday.

Few starters for next week's first Test are likely to be in the line-up on Saturday but in the backline Stuart Hogg and Robbie Henshaw are among those many will expect to see taking on the Boks and both have to hit the ground running after spells on the sidelines.

Hogg has been self-isolating while Henshaw has not featured since picking up a hamstring injury against Japan.

Others may not get another chance after this match, such as fly-half Marcus Smith who found out he was joining the squad while on England duty at Twickenham last week, but his outstanding form over recent months is a big plus.

Opponents the Stormers ought to be the best provincial side the Lions face after their match with Bulls was called off.

There is some experience in their side - skipper Ernst van Rhyn is a former Junior Springboks captain while fly-half Tim Swiel played in the Premiership with Harlequins - but the Lions look set to put them on the back foot from the off and we should expect an onslaught.

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