Mallett: Beating Lions ‘bigger challenge’ than winning World Cup
Winning a series against the Lions will be a bigger achievement for the Springboks than their 2019 World Cup triumph, says former Springbok coach Nick Mallett.
Rugby pundit sacked for racist comment about Lions star Smith
Former Ireland international Neil Francis was sacked from his role as a rugby pundit on Friday after making a racist remark about British & Irish Lions flyhalf Marcus Smith, who he described as having an “Oompa Loompa tan”.
Surprise choice Conan says starting for Lions is “surreal”
No 8 Jack Conan, who was a surprise inclusion in the British & Irish Lions lineup for the first Test, says it was “surreal” hearing his name called out as a starter against world champion Springboks on Saturday.
Ex-ref: Rassie should not be allowed to be Boks’ waterboy
Former international referee Alain Rolland has called on World Rugby to investigate the Springboks’ use of Rassie Erasmus as the team’s water carrier.
Cheslin vs Duhan contest headlines key match-ups
SARugbymag.co.za highlights some of the mouthwatering duels to look forward to in the first Test between the Springboks and British & Irish Lions in Cape Town on Saturday.
Gatland: Lions have dented Boks’ ego
British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland has fired a shot before the first Test against the Springboks, claiming they ‘dented their ego’ despite losing to South Africa A last week.
Gatland expects Boks to hit Duhan ‘with everything they’ve got’
British & Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland says he expects Saturday’s first Test against the Springboks to be a challenge for Duhan van der Merwe as he prepares to face Cheslin Kolbe in an intriguing clash of styles.
Springboks welcome Kolisi’s ‘calm’ leadership against Lions
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber says captain Siya Kolisi’s experience and leadership would be vital against the British & Irish Lions even if he is rusty after a period of self-isolation.
Gatland: Lions can’t afford another slow start
British & Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland is expecting an “arm wrestle” in the first Test match against the Springboks after making his “hardest” team selection yet.
Have your say on the Springbok team to face the Lions
Following the announcement of the Springboks’ 23-man match-day squad to face the British & Irish Lions in the first Test in Cape Town, have your say on whether or not you would make any changes to the side.
