South Africa v Wales: Dan Biggar, Dylan Lewis ruled fit for series decider

Wales captain Dan Biggar and prop Dylan Lewis have been ruled fit for the crucial third Test against South Africa in Cape Town on Saturday.

Center Owen Watkin comes in as the only change from the bench.

Wales lost 32-29 in the first Test in Pretoria before drawing level with a 13-12 win in Bloemfontein.

Adams’ withdrawal means Pivac has named the same team that started the series opener.

Piwak welcomed Biggar and Lewis’ powers of restoration.

“I’m very pleased, they are two key players for us,” Pivac said.

“They had an easy part of the week but they trained today and did well so are very pleased.

“We’ve just got the Captain’s Run left and they’ll be taking part in it, so it’s all set for Saturday.

“We have an excellent medical team. They do fantastic work and often don’t get enough credit.

“Having those two players available, given the way they were after last week’s game, was a wonderful turnaround.”

Biggar suffered a shoulder injury during the second half of the win in the second test.

The fly-half was replaced by Gareth Anscombe, who converted the winner in the 79th minute from the touchline.

Prop Lewis picked up an elbow problem and left the ground in a sling.

“I think you should shoot Dylan with an elephant gun [to keep him down]”, Pivats added.

“He tore his plantar fascia and played a test match for us. This requires a lot of courage.

“His pain threshold is obviously right there. He sprained his elbow badly and was obviously in a lot of pain after the game.

“The main thing was that we thought he did a lot of damage there. But after a scan 24 hours later, he was much better, and it was the care and attention the medical staff gave him for his first 48 years. hours that allowed him to be where he is now.”

Tight-back has been a problem position for Wales with Thomas Francis, Leon Brown and Samson Lee out injured.

Saracens prop Sam Wainwright made his international debut in place of the injured Lewis and forced a decisive penalty in the scrum that helped lay the foundations for Adams’ late try and Anscombe’s conversion.

“Most people had written us off before we left Wales and to be in a position to win this series is a fantastic position for us,” Pivac said.

“It’s fantastic to have something to play for in this Test match.

“That said, it has been a tough week of training because we are, as you would expect, a little bit down after two very physical test matches.

“So to have the majority of the team that we arrived on these shores with is in pretty good shape.

“The atmosphere on the day of the match was wonderful. South African fans are very vocal, they support their side and let you know what they think of the event.

“It’s an environment that tests you and the players that have stood up so far in both matches.

“We’re looking forward to another sold-out crowd and another crowd that really knows how to support this event and make it special.”

George North, starting alongside Nick Tompkins at center for the third time in a row, will equal Stephen Jones’ record for the all-time Wales men’s caps this weekend with 105 caps.

North made his debut for Wales in 2010 against South Africa in Cardiff, scoring two tries.

Only Alan Wyn Jones (152), named among Wales’ substitutes, and defense coach Gethin Jenkins (129) have more caps for Wales.

“It’s fantastic for George,” Pivac said. “He has worked very hard to recover from a serious injury and to break this record is no great achievement.

“I’m looking forward to meeting George on Saturday and hope he can prepare a stormer for us.”

Team Wales to face South Africa: L Williams; Rees-Zammit, North, Tompkins, Adams; Biggar (capt), Hardy; G Thomas, Elias, D Lewis, Rowlands, Beard, Lydiat, Refel, Faletau.

Replacements: Lake, W Jones, S Wainwright, Alan Wyn Jones, Navidi, T Williams, Anscombe, Watkin.