The British and Irish Lions will attempt a 2-0 lead in a test series for the first time since 1997 on Saturday, but it was Rasi Erasmus who stole the spotlight in preparation for the game.
In the opening game, the world champion’s 12-3 lead in the first half was reversed to give the Lions a 22-17 victory at Cape Town Stadium.
As the Erasmus team struggles to stay in the series, the chief of the Springboks put everything on the line, including his reputation.
This is an opportunity that is repeated in every generation [for Erasmus] ‘said Ugo Monyi Rugby Union Weekly.
“The possibility of them losing their test series at 7 pm on Saturday is unimaginable.
“The only important thing is to win and you do what you can to make sure your team has the best chance of winning.
“Every elite coach is obsessed with absolute control and right now they are trying to control something that most people cannot control: the execution of the judgment.”
Lions remain the center of controversy
On Friday, Lions captain Siya Kolisi backed his boss and agreed that referee Nic Berry “disrespected” him in the first test.
Earlier, Lions coach Robin McBride described the controversy as a “sideshow”, while the Australian rugby team issued a statement condemning Erasmus’s comments about the Australian referee.
Erasmus may face a World Rugby penalty, but the Lions are still very focused on the enormous task ahead.
Matt Dawson, a member of the legendary 1997 team, said his second test against South Africa was the wildest thing he’s ever been through. And lions have no illusions about the task ahead.
“This is the most important game I’ve ever played,” linebacker Stuart Hogg said.
“They are a very emotional side that is going to throw us all [on Saturday]. We are enjoying the challenge that is presented to us ”.
The lions step up their defense
Scottish center Chris Harris will make his Test Lions debut on Saturday
McBride said he expects South Africa to return to normal fitness on Saturday, a suggestion supported by the presence of six forwards on the Springboks bench.
But the hosts will be without Bull Neshi due to a neck injury, with World Cup champions Steven Kitchoff and Frans Malherbe starting in the front row.
In the only other change to the 15th starting lineup, Leicester’s Jasper Wiese replaced Quaja Smith in eighth place.
Mooney believes Lions head coach Warren Gatland has named a “defensive team,” with seasoned tourist Conor Murray, hinting at a regional kickoff.
Prop Mako Vunipola, who already has seven caps at Lions Test, replaces Rory Sutherland in the front row, while Chris Harris makes his Lions Test debut and replaces Elliot Daly at 13.
“The impetus is for South Africa to come out,” Mooney said.
“They have to go out and win this game. Murray’s start at nine is a clear sign of a territorial fight. ”
“Chris Harris is out on the road as the 13th defender and will be looking to close that space. That is why it is so important to have the first test under your belt because it allows you to take fewer risks ”.
Gatland prioritizes “happy players” for success
If the Lions pull off their first win in South Africa since 1997, Gatland is sure to steal some attention from Erasmus.
The New Zealander was an assistant coach when Ian McGeehan’s team lost 2-1 to the Springboks in 2009, before taking first place in the 2013 Tour of Australia winner.
After leading the Lions on a drawing streak against the All Blacks in 2017, Gatland has the opportunity to maintain his undefeated record as head coach and establish his name as one of the greats on tour.
Hogg praised his boss’s approach and said Gatland has found ways to involve the players’ families at all times.
“We have photos in our room, messages on the team selection, it makes all the sacrifices you make worthwhile,” he said.
“If you get a happy, healthy human being, you get a better rugby player and that’s something he does.
“He’s out there with the best coaches in world rugby. He has done an incredible job, but I know he is not done. He wants to get everything out of everyone ”.
line up
British and Irish Lions: Here. A. Watson, Harris, Henshaw, Van der Merwe; Biggar, Murray Vonipola, Kwan-Dickey, Furlong, Etoji, AW Jones, Luz, Carrie, Conan.
Alternatives: Owens, Sutherland, Sinclair, Byrne, Valletau, Price, Farrell, Daly.
South Africa: Le Roux Colby, AM, de Allende, Mapembe; Pollard, writer; Kitshoff, Mbonambi, Malherbe, Etzebeth, Mostert, Kolisi, Du Toit, Wiese
