Rassie's argument for a second SA 'A' vs Lions match

Springboks’ director of rugby Rassie Erasmus has put forward his reasoning for wanting to have a second SA ‘A’ vs British & Irish Lions match scheduled for this coming Saturday. 

Currently, the Lions are due to face the Stormers on Saturday, but Erasmus is attempting to have that fixture put on the backburner. 

The Springboks have named an almost-full strength test team which will operate under the banner of SA ‘A’ on Wednesday as the men in green and gold are somewhat starved of match fitness as the three test series inches ever closer. 

"We are trying really hard to confirm another game on Saturday … I don’t think our situation is so much to do with gelling at this stage, I think it’s match fitness, that’s our problem," said Erasmus. 

"We want to ask for another South Africa 'A' game because for me, and it’s my view, that would be the safest option. 

"We’ve all tested negative two days in a row, we’re in a hard bubble in Cape Town and no one is moving anywhere. The staff and everyone is negative, and it’s the same in the Lions camp. 

"After we played Georgia all our infections started, so in my opinion if the South Africa 'A' team can play on Wednesday, and then another on Saturday, I think it would be best medically and in terms of player welfare, and also for the people watching to have two really good match-ups between the two teams. 

"I’m sure Warren [Gatland] and the guys wouldn’t say no to that. So, if I could have my way, and we could ask for that, it would be fantastic. 

"It’s not just up to me to make those decisions, but I’m going to beg until we find really valid medical reasons to say that’s not actually the safest option. 

"I also think it will give us the best preparation to give good competition to the Lions, and I’m sure Warren would want us to be at full strength, and have good match fitness before we play the first Test. 

"So can’t say I’m confident [about a second South Africa 'A' match], but I’m hoping." 

Gatland, however, remains unmoved on the subject. When, at a recent press conference, he was asked about the possibility, he simply said: 

"We won’t be playing them again on Saturday."