sport news Lions vs South Africa form guide: Itoje has grown in stature but Cheslin hasn't ...

sport news Lions vs South Africa form guide: Itoje has grown in stature but Cheslin hasn't ...
sport news Lions vs South Africa form guide: Itoje has grown in stature but Cheslin hasn't ...

The Lions will aim for a superb series triumph when they take on South Africa in the nail-biting, winner-takes-all decider this weekend.

Both teams have a victory apiece and, after all the mind games and bitter retorts, will look to defeat the other in the clash in Cape Town.

Ahead of the crunch game, Sportsmail's NIK SIMON has rated each of the players.

The Lions will look to claim a thrilling series triumph over South Africa in the crunch decider

The Lions will look to claim a thrilling series triumph over South Africa in the crunch decider

Ahead of the winners-takes-all Test, Sportsmail has rated each player from both of the teams

Ahead of the winners-takes-all Test, Sportsmail has rated each player from both of the teams

FULL BACK

Willie Le Roux - 7

AGE: 31 test CAPS: 64

Added variation to attack last week by stepping in at second receiver.

Liam Williams - 7

AGE: 30 TEST CAPS: 75

Absent in opening Tests but finally brings brave high-ball expertise.

Liam Williams has been absent in the opening Tests but finally brings brave high-ball expertise

Liam Williams has been absent in the opening Tests but finally brings brave high-ball expertise

WING

Cheslin Kolbe - 6

AGE: 27 CAPS: 16

Little chance to show his magic and fortunate to avoid red last week.

Josh Adams - 7

AGE: 26 CAPS: 32

Found red-hot scoring form in warm-up games but not played for three weeks.

Josh Adams found red-hot scoring form in warm-up games but hasn't played for three weeks

Josh Adams found red-hot scoring form in warm-up games but hasn't played for three weeks

CENTRE

Lukhanyo Am - 8

AGE: 27 CAPS: 17

Brings huge energy and forces errors with his aggressive line speed.

Robbie Henshaw - 7

AGE: 28 CAPS: 54

Should be given more space to attack if physical Aki can suck in defenders.  

CENTRE

Damian de Allende - 7

AGE: 29 CAPS: 49

Branded a ‘hit-up merchant’ by Gatland for his powerful runs off the nine.

Damian de Allende (right) was branded a 'hit-up merchant' due to powerful runs off the nine

Damian de Allende (right) was branded a 'hit-up merchant' due to powerful runs off the nine

Bundee Aki - 6

AGE: 31 CAPS: 31

Drafted in to add grunt in familiar Irish midfield pairing with Henshaw.

WING

Makazole Mapimpi - 8

AGE: 31 CAPS: 16

Relentless work rate to chase every kick paid off with key try in the second Test.

Duhan van der Merwe - 5

AGE: 26 CAPS: 12

Owes Gatland a big performance after an error-prone display.

Duhan van der Merwe owes Warren Gatland a big performance after his error-prone display

Duhan van der Merwe owes Warren Gatland a big performance after his error-prone display

FLY HALF

Handre Pollard - 8

AGE: 27 CAPS: 51

Stung Lions with pinpoint kicks but more responsibility in De Klerk’s absence.

Dan Biggar - 7

AGE: 31 CAPS: 94

Will try to squeeze Boks with aerial assault before Russell is

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