British Lions vs Emirates Lions live stream: how to watch 1st tour match from anywhereThe Lions commence their Tour in Johannesburg ~ Computer Hacking

After much uncertainty, the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa finally gets underway today with the first of five warm-up games before the three-Test series against the Springboks. Read on as our guide explains how to watch a British and Irish Lions vs Emirates Lions live stream from anywhere in the world.

While Conor Murray has been appointed tour skipper following the withdrawal of Alun Wyn Jones through injury, Scotland skipper Stuart Hogg is set to captain a rotated British and Irish Lions line up today. The side is set to feature 14 changes from the one that faced Japan at Murrayfield last weekend.

Flanker Hamish Watson, lock Jonny Hill, centre Chris Harris and wing Louis Rees-Zammit are all set to make their debuts, while Finn Russell is paired alongside Owen Farrell in the backline.

The tourists' opponents today come into the match on a poor run of form, with the Emirates Lions having only notched up one win from six matches in the Pro14’s end of season Rainbow Cup competition.

Follow our guide as we explain all the ways to get a British Lions live stream wherever you are right now.

British Lions vs Emirates Lions live stream free

How to watch British Lions vs Emirates Lions online in the UK

Live coverage of all eight matches of the British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa will be broadcast exclusively on Sky Sports in the UK and Ireland, including this opening fixture,

The pay-TV network will be showing all three Tests which take place on successive Saturdays on 24 July, 31 July and 7 August, as well as the five preceding tour matches.

Coverage of this first match against the Emirates Lions starts at 4pm BST ahead of the 5pm BST kick-off on both Sky Sports Main Event and the network's dedicated Sky Sports The Lions channels.

If you don't have Sky Sports, then there's likely to be a Sky TV deal to suit you. Or, if you're looking to watch matches from the tour but don't fancy being locked in to a long, expensive contract, consider the more flexible Now streaming option.

Not in the UK for the 2021 Lions Tour? No worries - residents of the country can just download and install a VPN to port themselves back home to a UK location, then watch live as usual.

How to live stream British Lions when you're not in your country

If you're outside your country of residence - whether that be the UK or anywhere else - and try to start streaming the rugby via your native broadcaster, you'll soon discover that you can't, as it's location restricted. But there is a way to tune in regardless.

By downloading and installing a VPN, you can effectively trick your computer into thinking that it's back at home. That way you can enjoy your home coverage without having to find an illegal stream - assuming you comply with the broadcaster's fine print, of course - specifically its terms and conditions.

Use a VPN to watch British Lions vs Emirates Lions from anywhere

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Using a VPN is as easy as one-two-three...

1. Download and install a VPN - as we say, our top choice is ExpressVPN

2. Connect to the appropriate server location - open the VPN app, hit 'choose location' and select the appropriate location

3. Go to the broadcaster's live stream - so if you're from the UK, just head to All4

South Africa flag — (Image credit: Future)

Live stream British Lions vs Emirates Lions rugby in South Africa

Springboks fans looking to watch this opening fixture of the Lions tour can watch today's match via subscription service SuperSport.

Kick-off for this warm-up match is at 6pm SAST.

If you're away from the TV you can also watch the action via the network's streaming service for PC and Mac as well as via SuperSport's dedicated app.

If you want to catch SuperSports coverage but are out of the country, you can use a VPN.

British Lions vs Emirates Lions rugby live stream usa

How to watch the British and Irish Lions free online and live stream rugby in the US

NBC Sports has the rights to show British and Irish Lions Tour Matches. This match kicks off in the States at 12pm ET / 9am PT on Saturday.

Watching rugby on NBC used to mean coughing up the best part of $80 for an NBC Sports Gold Rugby Pass, but not anymore. NBC's Rugby Pass has been absorbed into its excellent new streaming platform, Peacock TV, which makes rugby more accessible to US fans of the sport and ex-pats living in the States than ever before.

For starters, Peacock costs just $4.99 a month for an ad-supported service that gets rugby fans not only the Lions Tour 2021 but also features Premiership Rugby and Heineken Champions Cup coverage as well (plus loads more premium sports coverage, TV shows, and movies). Alternatively, you can pay a $10 a month for commercial-free coverage.

And best of all, Peacock even offers a FREE 7-day trial you can take advantage of.

If you've already hopped on the Peacock bandwagon but are abroad during the 2021 Lions Tour, don't forget that you can still tune in like you at home with the help of a good VPN.

How to watch a Lions Tour live stream in Australia

Streaming service Stan has a bit of a coup on its hands after snapping up exclusive live broadcast rights Down Under for the entire British and Irish Lions Tour, including this match. The streaming service will be showing the games on its new Stan Sports platform.

It's a 2am AEST late night start for rugby fans looking to watch this match Down Under.

A Stan subscription currently starts at AUS$10 a month, with the Stan Sports add-on costing a further AUS$10 a month.

However, the service is currently offering a FREE 7-day trial of the add-on, which if timed right, should allow you to watch a couple of the Tour matches for nada.