Never in the long history of the British & Irish Lions has there been a series that remotely resembles that which starts against South Africa at Cape Town Stadium on Saturday. Capacity crowds, including thousands of visiting supporters, created a vibrant atmosphere when the Lions lost the Test series 2-1 on their last tour in 2009. But extraneous factors will be forgotten when Australian referee Nic Berry blows his whistle to start the 2021 series. The Lions team named by coach Warren Gatland favoured form over reputation, with the exceptions of captain and lock Alun Wyn Jones and inside centre Robbie Henshaw. The Georgia match is the only Test the home side have played since the World Cup, with a planned second Test cancelled because of Covid-19.

Source: News 24 July 24, 2021 12:27 UTC