The punch-ups, controversies, arguments and rivalries that have gone into Lions folklore

Andy Farrell’s British and Irish Lions follow in the footsteps of legends when they kick off their Test showdown with Australia in Brisbane today. But it’s not always just the magical moments that Lions tours are remembered for.

- Paul Abbandonato reports

FROM the 1970s genius of Barry John and Phil Bennett, through to Sean O’Brien finishing off an 83-metre wonder try started by Liam Williams versus New Zealand in 2017, Lions Test matches have always been littered with unforgettable moments of magic.

In between we've had Ieuan Evans pouncing on David Campese’s error for the winning score versus Australia in 1989, Jeremy Guscott’s memorable 1997 drop goal to down world champions South Africa and Leigh Halfpenny’s record 21-point haul to wallop the Wallabies in the 2013 Sydney decider.

But Lions tours wouldn't be Lions tours without a controversy or three. There have also been violence, bust-ups, gruesome moments and a host of incidents that captured banner headlines for entirely the wrong reasons.

We look back at the “other” Lions moments which have gone into rugby folklore...

THE BATTLE OF BOET: THIRD TEST V SOUTH AFRICA 1974

IN THE days when rugby violence was met with violence, with no TMO to intervene, we had the irresistible force versus the immovable object.

Willie John McBride's 1974 Invincibles knew they were in for a roughhouse encounter after winning the first two Tests. The wounded Springboks, under huge home pressure to bounce back, ripped up their team, with a few enforcers selected.

It was clear what their tactics would be.

And so to the infamous third Test showdown at Port Elizabeth's Boet Erasmus stadium. Due to the chaos and carnage which unfolded before disbelieving eyes, it became known simply as “The Battle of Boet”.

This was the afternoon when Lions skipper McBride's infamous 99 call played out in full glare of the public.

Knowing the South Africans would try to impose themselves physically, rough up the Lions, intimidate and test their resolve - often off the ball and against the laws of the game - the captain came up with his famous command to fight fire with fire.