Unlike a usual tour, where the series is guaranteed by the number of traveling fans spending money with full stadiums in different venues across the host nation, this tour is now solely based in Cape Town with the teams locked in a bubble for the next two weeks.
If the result is the same next week, there is no reason to play the last game in a series that would have been decided and a third Test which would have no real meaning other than the hope of a clean sweep, just the same as it was in 1997.
With the Lions having won the first two Tests in ‘97 (16-25 and 15-18) and therefore the series, the team for the third game had some player changes but were unable to complete a Bok's whitewash going down 35-16 in the final Test.
Now South Africa is in the throes of a third covid wave with over two million infections (plus riots on the streets) so the need to play the third Test of a decided series seems to be an unnecessary risk for all involved.
Given the threat to the families and partners I assume the Lions party will have to be locked in isolation for a week in a hotel near to the airport when they return, ending what will have been the strangest tour undertaken by any Lions squad.
No one should underestimate the efforts of all those involved; especially Lions chairman Jason Leonard, in making this tour happen against all the odds and what it will mean for the Home Unions even with a reduced financial Lions windfall.
This story is from the July 25, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the July 25, 2021 edition of The Rugby Paper.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
It was an honour to reach the 400-mark
IF I am being honest I never grew up dreaming of playing for Pontypridd, not even once let alone 401 times (one of only seven players to do so in the club’s 150 year history).
Ukraine go close against Sweden
UKRAINE pushed Sweden all the way but fell just short against the Rugby Europe Trophy table toppers in Trelleborg, the southernmost port of Sweden.
Esher on top to seal title triumph
SUPER Esher ran out comfortable winners in this pulsating end-to-end top of-the-table clash to secure the National 2 East title and promotion back to National League 1.
The pinball wizard who can fire Exeter
The pinball wizard who can fire Exeter
Minnows in line for a World Cup boost
WORLD RUGBY aims to streamline the Rugby World Cup qualification process to give nonhigh performance nations even more time to prepare for the next tournament in Australia.
Green seizes day for dazzling Quins
HARLEQUINS reached their first Champions Cup semi-final after shattering perceptions of a free-running side with a soft underbelly by taking on a team that had twice overpowered Saracens at forward and destroying their scrum.
Ramm: We are up for a fight to the finish
JAMES Ramm believes Northampton’s exploits in the Champions Cup will boost their bid to not only make the Premiership play-offs again but secure a home draw.
Coming to grief on the road to Morocco
Mark Stevens talks to Exeter chairman Tony Rowe about his love of classic rallying across all corners of the world
Dawson: George is England's catalyst
FORMER England captain and scrumhalf Matt Dawson says skipper Jamie George has been the “catalyst” for the country’s recent turnaround.
We won't stop until the final whistle - Yeandle
CHAMPIONS Cup veteran Jack Yeandle has no doubt Exeter’s exciting young guns will rise to another big occasion in Toulouse today.