The original schedule for the three-Test series between the Springboks and British & Irish Lions is set to change, with Cape Town now likely to host the first match and Johannesburg the last two.
The first Test was initially scheduled to take place at the FNB Stadium in Joburg , with the second one played in Cape Town and the third at Ellis Park in Joburg.
In following the announcement that the tour will go ahead in South Africa, after much speculation that it will be moved, organisers confirmed that the original dates and venues are subject to change.
And according to a report in the Telegraph, the schedule has now been adjusted accordingly with the official announcement set to be made in the next few days.
It is believed the first Test in the three-match series will now take place in Cape Town before the final two Tests are held at altitude in Johannesburg. The venues for the Lions’ five warm-up games against the Stormers, Vodacom Bulls, Sharks, SA ‘A’ and SA Invitation will also be rejigged as all fixtures will be limited to Cape Town and Johannesburg amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
Lions boss Warren Gatland said: ‘I’m not 100 percent sure, but my understanding at the moment is that the games will be on the same dates as the original tour was, and it will be three Tests.
‘It looks like it’ll be in two venues, so starting potentially in Johannesburg, then three games in Cape Town, with the first Test there, and then the second and third Test back in Johannesburg.’
Based on Gatland’s comments, the first Test will be at the Cape Town Stadium on 24 July, before the second and third Tests are played in Johannesburg on 31 July and 7 August.
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