sport news MIKE BROWN: Jamie George is in strong contention to start ahead of Ken Owens ...

sport news MIKE BROWN: Jamie George is in strong contention to start ahead of Ken Owens ...
sport news MIKE BROWN: Jamie George is in strong contention to start ahead of Ken Owens ...
MIKE BROWN: Two-try Jamie George is in strong contention to start ahead of Ken Owens against South Africa... while Gareth Davies' poor display against the Sharks means he must fight to keep his jersey Jamie George and Duhan van der Merwe were the best performers in Pretoria However, Gareth Davies' misplaced pass can't be repeated against South Africa  Hamish Watson is ahead of Tom Curry for the No 7 jersey after a solid display

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After beating the Sharks 54-7 on Wednesday, the British and Irish Lions faced a significantly sterner test three days later.

The teams went into the break at 26-26, before Jaden Hendrikse's dismissal inside five minutes of the second half swung the match in the tourists' favour as Warren Gatland's men eventually won 71-31 in Pretoria. 

Here is a rundown of the players who impressed and those who still have more to do... 

Liam Williams 6.5

Solid at the back. Caught out a little in backfield by Lionel Cronje's grubber kick which led to a try. No counter-attack opportunities to work with but showed good link play to help finish a couple of chances.

Rory Sutherland 7


Carried well in the loose, and looked really physical in the tight. Scrummaged well — and that could be his trump card competing against Mako Vunipola and Wyn Jones for the No 1 shirt come the Tests.   

Anthony Watson 6.5

Not much to work with but did the basics well. Picked a good line for his try after nearly scoring earlier. When given the chance, he was sharp, especially for his excellent second finish.  

Jamie George 8

His lineout work was excellent and he scored two tries. Picked some great lines in attack, did the basics well and made the most tackles – nine. Pushing to start ahead of Ken Owens now. 

Jamie George's strong performance puts him in strong contention to start against South Africa

Jamie George's strong performance puts him in strong contention to start against South Africa

Elliot Daly 6.5

Made a handling mistake for the Sharks' first try, but led the quick line-speed in defence. Well taken try with a good angle, then showed his speed and agility to round two defenders and finish it off. 

Tadhg Furlong 6

The tight-head was quiet compared to his

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