Lions’ pride is at stake
Can the tourists win their first series in New Zealand since 1971?
Captained by the Welshman Sam Warburton, the British and Irish Lions recently arrived in New Zealand, a country once described by former Lions coach Ian McGeechan as "one huge rugby field". McGeechan wasn’t being hyperbolic, for rugby is everywhere in this fabled green land. When the Lions aren’t playing it, they’ll be thinking about it. And when they aren’t thinking about it they’ll be reminded by perky Kiwi fans that they haven’t won there since 1971, a time when men didn’t gel their hair, and bell bottoms were commonly the size of downtown Wellington. Should such fans be tolerated enough to warm to their theme, they’ll also point out that no New Zealand Super Rugby side have lost to Australian or SA opposition at home this year. To say New Zealand rugby is in rude health is to state the annoyingly obvious, a fact underscored by the Lions’ tetchy 13-7 win against the NZ Provincial Barbarians in their tour opener 10 days ago. Warburton and his coach, Warren Gatland, a Kiwi who has ...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.