what years did the british lions tour south africa

The Legendary (and Violent) 1974 British & Irish Lions Tour of South Africa

• March 25, 2020
• Ultimate Rugby

The 70s: a decade largely remembered for questionable hairstyles, economic uncertainty, social upheaval and the Bee Gees. In rugby terms, however, it was the stage of one of the most controversial sporting series in history; the 1974 Lions tour to South Africa.

Under the apartheid regime, South Africa had gradually cultivated a reputation for itself as an international pariah.

Many of the British public and their leaders were fundamentally opposed to the tour going ahead, though it did materialise, albeit under fiery circumstances.

The Lions were captained by the legendary Willie-John McBride and boasted other revered names among their ranks such as Gareth Edwards, JPR Williams, Phil Bennett, Ian McGeechan, Fergus Slattery and JJ Williams.

McBride was well aware of the daunting task ahead of the team – the Springboks had never lost a series on home soil before – and it was imperative to him that they were all on the same page when he sat his players down before they departed.

“I said, ‘I’m going to South Africa...I have one objective: to win the series...it’s nothing to do with politics, as far as I’m concerned, nothing. If anybody has any doubt about going on this tour, the door is open. Please leave now. Don’t come to me in a week, don’t come to me tomorrow, don’t come to me in three weeks, because you’re no use to this team if you have the slightest doubt and you’re certainly no use to me,’” McBride recalls, “Nobody moved. And I said, ‘Okay, we now are on the road.’”  

The first significant game of the tour was against Eastern Province- then tough customers in the South African provincial scene – who were led by the Springbok captain, Hannes Marais.

With the tensions electric off the field, it was inevitable that violence would rear its head on it, and the Lions were prepared.

At the shout of McBride’s famous “99” call, the men in red swarmed with steely aggression and clenched fists, administering brutal  beatings on any opposition player who dared antagonise one of their own. The Lions had made a statement, in no uncertain terms, that their days of being bullied by the burly Afrikaners were over and the spirit of the tour was forged.

Lions  28 – 14  Eastern Province.

McBride’s charges marched on to Newlands to take on giants Western Province one week before the first test at the same venue and emerged 17 – 8 victors, as yet unbeaten on the tour.

The Springboks took on their rivals at a wet and muddy Newlands on the 8 th of June and were defeated 12-3, the first Lions victory at that venue since 1938.

“It [the victory] gave everybody that tremendous feeling that we were dominant and we were believing in ourselves.” said McBride.

The road to the second test saw the Lions despatch the Southern Universities XV (26-4), Transvaal (23-15) and Rhodesia (42-6) before they took the field in Pretoria.

The team bus pulled up to Loftus Versveld with its occupants in full song – belting out the rousing lyrics of Flower Of Scotland and revelling in a spirit of confidence which manifested on the field of play.

“When we got off that bus and into the dressing room, we knew that something special was going to happen that day.” former Lions lock Gordon Brown recounts.

Brown was right, and the Lions were dominant, winning the second test 28-9 in front of a shocked crowd to go up 2-0 in the series.

The 13 th of July 1974 saw the sides clash in the vital third test, again, in Port Elizabeth.

The Springboks, now desperate for victory blasted out of the tunnel onto the field like green bullets from a gun, a tongue-lashing from the Minister of Sport in the dressing room still ringing in their ears. What transpired was the most brutal, violent game of the tour, “Fitting more for the boxing ring,” a commentator quipped. At the final whistle the players left the blood-stained pitch with the scoreboard reading 26-9 in the Lion’s favour and McBride’s men were forever etched in history.

The fourth and final test ended in a 13-13 draw, but the writing was already on the wall; that the Springboks had been out-played and out-fought, suffering their first ever home series defeat to a Lions team that would go down as one of the greatest in the tradition.

The Lions returned home unbeaten, having played 22 games, winning 21 and drawing 1, scarring the pride of the Springbok jersey.

As we look towards the tour of 2021, the mouth waters at the prospect of the now world champion South Africans taking on the best of Britain and Ireland in another clash of physicality and flair.

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British & Irish Lions: The South Africa Tour explained

• British and Irish Lions
• Monday 21 June 2021 at 5:59pm

The British & Irish Lions are currently in Jersey for a training camp to prepare for their summer tour in South Africa.

At the end of their training camp, the Lions will fly to Edinburgh where they will play Japan in a pre-tour warm up match at Murrayfield, before heading to Johannesburg to commence their six-week campaign - culminating in a test clash against the Springboks.

The full tour will be played in the province of Gauteng, to reduce the need for travel for the squad and to minimise the risk of disruption due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Who are the British & Irish Lions?

The British & Irish Lions brings together the best players from England, Scotland, Wales and Ireland. The iconic red jersey is one of the most recognisable in global sport.

Warren Gatland has picked this year's squad, having been named head coach of a Lions tour for the third consecutive time.

A full rundown of the players training in Jersey is available to view here .

What is the South Africa Tour?

The Lions take on a tour every four years, on a rotation between Australia, New Zealand and South Africa. They are fiercely contested and are known for producing some of the most memorable moments in international rugby.

The tours sees them face some of the giants of world rugby in a test-match format. Often the lead up to this is preceded by matches against some of the host country's biggest clubs.

Most recently, the Lions toured in New Zealand in 2017. After defeat in their opening test against the All Blacks, Gatland's side fought back to secure a win in the second match. Ultimately, the close-fought battle ended in a draw as the final test ended 15-15.

Who will the Lions play?

Warren Gatland's side will come up against one of the sport's true heavyweights. The reigning world champions, the Springboks - South Africa's national team- and they are currently the top side in world rugby. Of the 46 times they have played against the Lions, they have taken wins in half of those games.

There will be three test matches between the sides:

First test: Springboks v British & Irish Lions (Saturday 24 July, Cape Town

Second test: Springboks v British & Irish Lions (Saturday 31 July, Johannesburg)

Third test: Springboks v British & Irish Lions (Sunday 8 August, Johannesburg)

In the run up to the test matches, the Lions will also face off against other teams from across South Africa.

Emirates Lions v British & Irish Lions (Saturday 3 July, Johannesburg)

Cell C Sharks v British & Irish Lions (Wednesday 7 July, Johannesburg)

Vodacom Bulls v British & Irish Lions (Saturday 10 July, Pretoria)

South Africa ‘A’ v British & Irish Lions (Wednesday 14 July, Cape Town)

DHL Stormers v British & Irish Lions  (Saturday 17 July, Cape Town)

Will the matches be played in front of fans?

It is not yet clear if coronavirus restrictions will allow fans to attend the matches. Currently, it is planned that the games will take place behind closed doors.

Covid-secure bubbles will be in place to protect both teams and their staff during the tour. The Lions have answers to some frequently asked questions on their website for those who may have already made bookings for the fixtures.

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1974 British Lions tour to South Africa explained

In 1974, the British & Irish Lions toured South Africa, with matches in South West Africa and Rhodesia . Under the leadership of Willie John McBride , the Lions went through the tour undefeated, winning 21 of their 22 matches and being held to a draw in the final match, albeit in controversial circumstances. The 1974 squad became known as 'The Invincibles' and regarded as the greatest rugby tour in history. [1]

Apartheid backdrop and controversy

The Lions tour took place against the backdrop of widespread condemnation of the apartheid regime. Under pressure from other African nations, the International Olympic Committee had excluded South Africa from competing in the Summer Games since 1964, and there had also been protests against visiting sporting teams from South Africa.

Several rugby players, like Welsh flanker John Taylor , took a stand against apartheid by making themselves unavailable for squad selection. [2] Gerald Davies declined the tour on his personal uncomfortable position at the consequences and realities of apartheid. [3] [4]

By November 1973, the United Nations had declared apartheid "a crime against humanity " [5] and in November 1974 South Africa was suspended from participating in the General Assembly. [6]

The Lions made one more tour during Apartheid (in 1980), and did not tour South Africa again until 1997 .

The 99 call

See main article: 99 call . The test series was beset by violence. The management of the Lions unilaterally declared that in their opinion the Springboks dominated their opponents with physical aggression because of their famous size advantage, 'off the ball' and 'blind side' play. In the buildup games, and in McBride's previous tours of South Africa, provincial sides had tended to use their physical size, late tackling and dirty play to deliberately intimidate and injure Lions players prior to Test matches. McBride again saw this tactic of targeting certain players being used by the provinces in 1974, and decided that the ' 99 call ' (originally the '999 call' but it was too slow to shout out) was meant to show that the Lions were a team and would not take any more of the violence being meted out to them. It was intended to show that the Lions would act as one and fight unsporting behaviour with more of the same. The idea was that the referee would be unlikely to send off all of the Lions if they all attacked.

At the 'Battle of Boet Erasmus Stadium ', in Port Elizabeth , one of the most violent matches in rugby history, there is famous video footage of JPR Williams running over half the length of the pitch to launch himself at Moaner van Heerden after such a call. According to McBride, the 99 call was only used once, as it sent out the message that the Lions were willing and more than able to respond in kind and protect themselves.

• Manager: Alun Thomas (Wales)
• Coach: Syd Millar (Ireland)
• J.P.R. Williams ( London Welsh and Wales)
• Andy Irvine ( Heriot's FP and Scotland)
• Tom Grace ( St Mary's College RFC and Ireland)
• J.J. Williams ( Llanelli and Wales)
• William Steele ( Bedford and R.A.F. and Scotland)
• Clive Rees ( London Welsh and Wales)
• Alan Morley ( Bristol and England) as replacement
• Richard Milliken (Bangor and Ireland)
• Ian McGeechan ( Headingley and Scotland)
• Roy Bergiers ( Llanelli and Wales)
• Geoff Evans ( Coventry and England)
• Phil Bennett ( Llanelli and Wales)
• Alan Old ( Leicester and England)
• Mike Gibson ( North of Ireland FC and Ireland) as replacement

Scrum-halves

• Gareth Edwards ( Cardiff and Wales)
• John Moloney ( St. Mary's College and Ireland)
• Bobby Windsor ( Pontypool and Wales)
• Ken Kennedy ( London Irish and Ireland)
• Ian McLauchlan ( Jordanhill College RFC and Scotland)
• Sandy Carmichael ( West of Scotland and Scotland)
• Fran Cotton (Coventry and England)
• Mike Burton ( Gloucester and England)
• Willie John McBride (capt) ( Ballymena and Ireland)
• Chris Ralston ( Richmond and England)
• Gordon Brown ( West of Scotland and Scotland)
• Roger Uttley ( Gosforth and England)

Loose forwards

• Fergus Slattery ( Blackrock College and Ireland)
• Stewart McKinney ( Dungannon and Ireland)
• Tommy David ( Llanelli and Wales)
• Tony Neary (Broughton Park and England)
• Andy Ripley ( Rosslyn Park and England)
• Mervyn Davies ( Swansea and Wales)

Results summary

Test matches.

In muddy conditions at Newlands, the Lions took a while to settle, conceding the lead for the first time on the tour before steadying to win the opening Test comfortably. [7]

South Africa : Ian McCallum, Chris Pope, Johan Oosthuizen, Peter Whipp, Gert Muller, Dawie Snyman, Roy McCallum, Morne du Plessis, Jan Ellis, Jan Boland Coetzee, John Williams, Kevin de Klerk, Hannes Marais (c), Piston van Wyk, Sakkie Sauerman

Lions : JPR Williams, Steele, Milliken, McGeechan, JJ Williams, Bennett, Edwards, Davies, Uttley, Slattery, Brown, McBride (c), Cotton, Windsor, McLauchlan

Second Test

The Lions went in at half-time with a 10–3 advantage, thanks to two tries from J. J. Williams. The lead was reduced to 10–6 when Bosch scored a penalty early in the second half, but that was as close as the Springboks came. Thereafter the Lions took control, with tries to Bennett, Brown and Milliken. [8] It was up to that point the heaviest defeat in Springbok history. [9]

South Africa : Ian McCallum (replaced Snyman, replaced Vogel), Chris Pope, Jackie Snyman, Peter Whipp, Gerrie Germishuys , Gerald Bosch, Paul Bayvel , Dugald MacDonald , Jan Ellis , Morne du Plessis , John Williams, Kevin de Klerk, Hannes Marais (c), Dave Frederickson, Nic Bezuidenhoudt

Lions : J. P. R. Williams , Steele, Milliken, McGeechan, JJ Williams, Bennett, Edwards, Davies, Uttley, Slattery, Brown, McBride (c), Cotton , Windsor, McLauchlan

Following the humiliation of Pretoria, the Springbok selectors made drastic changes, keeping only five players from the previous match in the starting line-up. One of the most bizarre changes, however, involved bringing in Free State loose forward Gerrie Sonnekus to play out of position at scrumhalf, [10] a move which had disastrous consequences. In the opening half-hour, the Springboks produced their best rugby of the series so far, and the desperation with which they played prompted Lions centre Dick Milliken to reflect years later that he had "never experienced such intensity on a rugby pitch". [11] Much like the earlier match against Eastern Province at the same venue, [12] the occasion was marred by outbreaks of violence, such that the match has since been dubbed the 'Battle of Boet Erasmus'. The brawling was probably fueled by the win-at-all-costs mentality with which the Springboks were playing, as well as the resolution of the Lions players not to be cowed by their opponents' famed physicality. Despite the Springboks having the better of most of the first half, they still went into the main break down 7–3 after Gordon Brown snatched the ball from a lineout and crashed over the line in injury time.

After the initial onslaught, the Lions regrouped and as the Springboks began to tire, they took complete control in the second half. As the forwards began to assert themselves, the backs were able to launch attack after attack on the Springbok line. Winger J. J. Williams scored two superb tries; the first came from a brilliant one-two pass combination with J. P. R. Williams, and the second was the result of a brilliant kick-and-chase.

At the end of the match, Lions captain McBride was carried off on the shoulders of Bobby Windsor and Gordon Brown. It was the first time since 1896 that the British Isles had won a series in South Africa, and the first time since 1910 that a touring side had beaten the Springboks at Boet Erasmus stadium. Danie Craven , the president of the South African Rugby Board, congratulated the Lions on their historic achievement, acknowledging that the visitors had indeed been "the better team". [13]

South Africa : 15 Tonie Roux, 14 Chris Pope, 13 Peter Cronje, 12 Jan Schlebusch, 11 Gert Muller, 10 Jackie Snyman, 9 Gerrie Sonnekus, 8 Klippies Kritzinger, 7 Jan Ellis, 6 Polla Fourie, 5 Johan de Bruyn, 4 Moaner van Heerden (replaced by De Klerk), 3 Hannes Marais (c), 2 Piston van Wyk, 1 Nic Bezuidenhoudt; Replacements: 16 Kevin de Klerk, 17 Malcolm Swanby, 18 Gavin Cowley, 19 Gert Schutte, 20 Andre Bestbier, 21 Rampie Stander

Lions : 15 J. P. R. Williams, 14 Andy Irvine, 13 Ian McGeechan, 12 Dick Milliken, 11 J. J. Williams, 10 Phil Bennett, 9 Gareth Edwards, 8 Mervyn Davies, 7 Fergus Slattery, 6 Roger Uttley, 5 Willie John McBride (c), 4 Gordon Brown, 3 Fran Cotton, 2 Bobby Windsor, 1 Ian McLauchlan; Replacements: 16 Mike Gibson, 17 Billy Steele, 18 John Moloney, 19 Ken Kennedy, 20 Sandy Carmichael, 21 Tony Neary

Fourth Test

After winning the first three test matches, the Lions drew the final test in controversial circumstances. In the dying minutes, Irish flanker Fergus Slattery broke through the South African line and appeared to successfully ground the ball, only for the (South African) referee to adjudge it held up; the Lions couldn't believe it, and Slattery himself later stated to the British newspapers that even the South African players thought that he had scored a legitimate try. Moreover, the referee blew the final whistle four minutes early with the Lions still just two metres from the South African try line, thus preserving their unbeaten record, but denying them a tour whitewash. When asked about the decision afterward, the referee was said to have replied: "Look boys, I have to live here". [1] JPR Williams later recalled that he struggled to understand the elation that South Africans felt in drawing the match. [10]

South Africa : Tonie Roux, Chris Pope, Peter Cronje, Jan Schlebusch, Gert Muller, Jackie Snyman, Paul Bayvel, Kleintjie Grobler, Jan Ellis, Klippies Kritzinger, John Williams, Moaner van Heerden, Hannes Marais (c), Piston van Wyk, Nic Bezuidenhoudt (replaced by Stander)

Lions : J. P. R. Williams, Irvine, McGeechan, Milliken, J. J. Williams, Bennett, Edwards, Davies, Uttley, Slattery, Ralston, McBride (c), Cotton, Windsor, McLauchlan

The Lions previous series in South Africa had all been losses, apart from the drawn 1955 series.

South Africa had not lost a home Test series since 1958 against France. In their most recent internationals they had won series against NZ at home in 1970 and against Australia away in 1971. They won their subsequent series, against NZ at home, in 1976.

However, they had not played a test match for two years before playing the Lions. [14]

Danie Craven said the 1974 Lions were "the greatest team to visit South Africa".

Many of the players who also played on the victorious 1971 Lions tour to New Zealand believe the 1974 Lions team would have beaten the 1971 Lions team, due to having better forwards and because many of the 1971 players had become better players by 1974. [15] J.P.R. Williams has said that whilst the 1971 Lions back division could not be bettered, the 1974 squad was better at winning games. [16]

Bibliography

• Book: Alfred, Luke . When the Lions Came to Town: The 1974 Rugby Tour to South Africa . 2014 . Zebra Press . 978-1770226531 . 264 .
• Book: Jenkins, Vivian . Vivian Jenkins . Rothmans Rugby Yearbook 1975–76 . 1975 . Brickfield Publications . 0-362-00221-5 .
• Book: Reason, John . The unbeaten Lions: The 1974 British Isles Rugby Union tour of South Africa . 1974 . Rugby Books . 9780903194020 . 258 .
• Book: Thomas, J. B. G. . The greatest Lions : the story of the British Lions tour of South Africa, 1974 . 1974 . Pelham . London . 0720707862 . 175 .

External links

• 1974 British Lions tour to South Africa at Lions Rugby

Notes and References

• News: Mitchell. Kevin . 3 May 2009. The Lion kings . The Guardian . 7 July 2019.
• Web site: John. Taylor. Lions and the fight against apartheid . 11 July 2014. ESPN.
• News: Gerald Davies on the adventure of the Lions . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/gerald-davies-on-the-adventure-of-the-lions-870061.html . 1 May 2022 . subscription . live. The Independent. 17 July 2008 . London . Peter . Bills . 3 May 2010.
• Web site: Gerald Davies: A Lion's Tale . North Wales. Live. 16 May 2009. North Wales Live.
• Web site: International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid. Adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations on 30 November 1973 .
• News: Teltsch. Kathleen . 13 November 1974. South Africa Is Suspended By U.N. Assembly, 91‐22 . The New York Times . 7 July 2019.
• News: Springboks promise a different result on Pretoria's hard ground . . . 10 June 1974 . 11. 59111. 8 July 2019.
• News: Vivian. Jenkins. The Sunday Times . South Africa handed beating of all time . 23 June 1974. 21. 7880. 8 July 2019.
• Web site: South Africans rake over ashes of heaviest defeat . 9. 59122. The Times . Reuters . 24 June 1974. 8 July 2019.
• News: JPR Williams remembers the call of 99 . https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220501/https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/rugby/rugby-union/international/jpr-williams-remembers-the-call-of-99-1676796.html . 1 May 2022 . subscription . live. The Independent . Damian. Dolan. 15 May 2009. 7 July 2019.
• Web site: Lions victorious in Battle of Boet Erasmus . Barclay. Tristan. 13 July 1974. ESPN. 7 July 2019.
• News: Kicking and punching mar Lions' brilliant victory . The Times . 9. 59099. Reuters. 27 May 1974. 7 July 2019.
• News: The Times . British Lions accepted as kings . Reuters . 15 July 1974. 7. 59139. 7 July 2019.
• Web site: Dick Milliken: The Springboks were physical and frightening – but they believed we were invincible . Peter. O’Reilly. www.thetimes.co.uk.
• [Willie John McBride]
• Web site: The life of JPR at 70, a Welsh rugby great who was different from the rest . Mark. Orders. 4 March 2019. Wales Online.

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LIONS TOUR TO SOUTH AFRICA 2021

It might have ended in an agonising Test series defeat for The British & Irish Lions in South Africa but their aura and majesty lives on.

Deprived of their greatest Touring ingredient – you, the travelling fans – the Lions lacked the very special something that makes them different in 2021. It only makes us more determined to make the next one to Australia even more special.

Take a look back at how we kept fans together when we couldn’t travel and ensured that they had the best experience that they could have.

• International edition
• Australia edition
• Europe edition

Lions tour awards: best player, unsung hero and the most memorable quote

The Guardian’s writers in South Africa give their verdicts on a chaotic tour, on and off the field

Most memorable rugby moment

To be frank, there were not loads of them across the three Test matches so I’ll plump for the obvious one. When Morné Steyn was named as part of the South Africa squad, you had to wonder. When he was selected on the bench, you could see it coming, and when he came on to the field with two minutes to go there was an inevitability that 12 years on from kicking the Springboks to victory over the Lions he would do precisely the same again. Warren Gatland had the grace to chuckle at what fate had dealt his side. Steyn’s second coming was an irresistible narrative in a series that, on the field at least, did not provide too many. GM

Throwing long miss passes inside your 22 during a Lions Test is not meant to be the done thing. Nor is playing up in the faces of the world’s most effective rush defence. Finn Russell, happily, is not constrained by received wisdom: might the series outcome have been different had the Scotland fly-half been on the pitch for longer? Along with the twinkling Marcus Smith, Russell deserves this award for reminding us all that big-time rugby can still be fun. RK

Best tour game

After a number of one-sided warmups against inferior opposition and two turgid Test matches, the third Test sparkled into life, almost to the second when Finn Russell came on to the field. The Lions clearly approached the third Test with a bolder gameplan but it took Russell’s introduction to free them from the straitjacket. The Springboks, for their part, had a bit more intent to play too and even if both sides grew increasingly conservative as the clock ticked down, the finale was a nerve-shredder. GM

In hindsight the fluctuating SA “A” match – basically the Springboks in disguise – set the tone for the entire series. The Boks, disrupted by Covid, had little option but to give their main men a run, and after the one-sided provincial games how good it was to watch a proper contest. The Lions went 17-3 down but rallied to lose by just 17-13. Ten days later, having been forewarned, they won the first Test 22-17 in the same stadium. RK

Try of the tour

The Lions ran in so many in the warmups and so few in the series that it is hard to pick one that really stands out. Louis Rees-Zammit’s, late on against the Stormers, came from a trademark goose-step from Marcus Smith, however, and rounded off a fine individual showing by the Harlequins No 10. It gave a glimpse into the future – Smith will be the No 10 in the majority of those teams for 2025 currently being put together – and demonstrated what happens when talent is given the platform to shine. The penny eventually dropped for the Test team, just a little too late. GM

Few candidates from the Test series but, once again, the SA “A” game – aka “the fourth Test” – delivered. Eight minutes before half-time a misjudged clearance from Elliot Daly found Cheslin Kolbe who shimmied assuredly between Rees-Zammit and Chris Harris and sent his captain Lukhanyo Am away for a wonderful try, converted by the metronomic Steyn. No one realised then that Steyn was merely warming up … RK

Best Lions player

Honourable mentions for Robbie Henshaw and Courtney Lawes, who both come out of the series in considerable credit, but Maro Itoje proved to be the Lions’ totem throughout the Test series. In the opener it was he who led the resistance in the face of both an early onslaught and late flurry from South Africa and in the third Test again he came up with some trademark interventions. He came out second best in the second Test but looking at his overall series performance, perhaps South Africa supporters will now acknowledge his class. GM

Henshaw was everywhere, Tadhg Furlong was endlessly committed and the fit-again Russell sprinkled some aforementioned late stardust on the series. The most prominent Lion, though, was Itoje in the second row. One minute he was soaring in the lineout, the next making a nuisance of himself around the tackle area or demanding more from those around him. It is a tribute to Itoje and his captain Alun Wyn Jones that South Africa’s influential big men never had it easy. RK

Best Springbok player

Lukhanyo Am captained South Africa A to a victory over the Lions and then set the tone for the series by marmalising Daly inside the first few minutes of the first Test. Much more to his game than big hits however, he marshalled the defensive line superbly and scored the try which put South Africa out of sight in the second Test. Eben Etzebeth was excellent at times – particularly in the second Test – and Damian de Allende showed no after-effects of his fire-pit incident to dovetail alongside Am to superb effect. But Am edges it and is beginning to get the global recognition he deserves. GM

A three-way fight between the outstanding Am, the relentless De Allende and the consistent Franco Mostert. Am and Mostert would both have been deserving winners but De Allende shades it for his all-round contribution. The Munster centre was among the major reasons why the Springboks conceded only two tries in three Tests and was equally forceful whenever he had the ball. Given the horrible fire-pit accident prior to the tour, his was some effort. RK

Unsung tour hero

Ronan Kelleher was called into the preparation camp, essentially to make up the numbers with Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie still occupied by their clubs. He was then kept on a week but not considered for the match against Japan in Edinburgh. That was supposed to be the extent of his involvement but amid concerns from the South African camp that a flurry of Lions injuries in the front row could lead to uncontested scrums, he was called out to join the squad. He was the only member of the touring party not to make an appearance but there were no hints of complaint from the Ireland hooker. That selflessness keeps the Lions concept going. GM

Marius Jonker. The South African was placed in an invidious position when he was asked to step in as the TMO after the original neutral appointee withdrew. Given how many calls were referred “upstairs” he was almost as busy as the on-field referees. Will have been mightily relieved he did not have to adjudicate on the series-deciding penalty. RK

Abiding tour memory

To wonder what might have been with 30,000 supporters in attendance. Cape Town is a beautiful city even in midwinter but there was something disturbing about seeing it so empty at times. Covid-19 has been devastating while riots and looting broke out elsewhere in the country mid-tour and with unemployment so high you could not help but wonder just how far the economic boon from a fully-attended tour would have gone, and if that was not considered by those who refused to entertain delaying the tour by a year it is to their shame. GM

Anyone with a chance to do so should visit Robben Island. Nelson Mandela’s old cell is a stark reminder of the grim injustices of the apartheid era but it was the searing testimony of our guide, an ex-prisoner himself, that really resonated. “Here’s where we went on hunger strike” puts even the most Covid-disrupted rugby tour into instant perspective. RK

Best quote(s)

“No, I’m actually not Jaco Johan, I’m Johan Erasmus. I actually follow Jaco Johan, he’s a big supporter of us. He’s been feeding me some really good clips for a while now, things that I’ve actually used in the past. He’s a very big supporter, a really funny guy and I quite enjoy the things that he does.” Before things turned sour with an hour-long evisceration of the referee Nic Berry, Rassie Erasmus stole the show with bizarre if entertaining press conference in which he had to deny being behind a Twitter burner account as a not-so subtle way of bringing decisions he disagreed with into the public eye. The quote pretty much sums up a stranger-than-fiction second Test week. GM

“You’re looking at him.” Liam Williams, asked to nominate the world’s best full-back under a high ball. “We want to see a change in mentality from our players in terms of speeding up the game. We want to see less ‘ball out of play’ and more action.” SA Rugby’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, 25 February 2021 RK

Biggest disappointment

Another obvious one but we must hope that this is the last major international series played out in empty stadiums. There are some advantages to the absence of supporters – particularly when you are sitting so close to the Springboks coaches – and hearing a fiercely pumped up Bundee Aki rallying the Lions troops in the first half of the last Test was a unique insight. But had the stadiums been packed to the rafters for all tour matches the warm-ups would have been significantly more animated and the Tests on another level entirely. GM

The reluctance of many in South Africa to call out Erasmus for his social media and waterboy antics. Everyone was impressed by the way he steered the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 but trampling all over rugby’s values of respect was not a good look. Sometimes referees get it wrong and, just occasionally, so do leading coaches. RK

My wish for 2025 …

The Lions have insisted that if it wasn’t for the pandemic, the Springbok players would have been playing for their franchises and there would not have been so many one-sided drubbings. Warren Gatland and his coaches have highlighted how it hardly helped their preparation but for watching supporters the tour really didn’t come to life until South Africa A named a Test side in all but name. The worry is that there are similar issues in Australia in four years’ time so it is heartening to hear both the Wallabies and the Lions open to potential tour matches against the Pacific Island nations, something that would suit all parties. Little is to be gained by thrashing weakened sides by more than 50 points. GM

A Lions itinerary with a refreshing twist. The days of routine walkovers over second-string state opposition are now over. What about a Test in Tokyo en route with either Fiji or a Pacific Island XV added to the fixture list, on the strict proviso that a decent slice of the tour profits go to the opposition and their unions? Or a British & Irish Lionesses tour, running in parallel with the men and perhaps featuring a Test series against a Rest of the World XV? It is time to start thinking more imaginatively. RK

• British & Irish Lions
• South Africa rugby team
• Rugby union

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England are in talks over a landmark Test in the USA for the first time in 24 years next summer - during the British and Irish Lions' tour of Australia

• England are set to face Argentina in North America in two Tests next summer
• They could also take on the USA away from home for first time since 2001
• Plans could change if Steve Borthwick becomes involved with the Lions side 

England are in talks about playing a landmark Test in the USA next summer, en route to Argentina – while the Lions contingent are in Australia.

Mail Sport understands that plans are locked in already for two internationals against the Pumas in 2025, in keeping with recent tradition for trips to South America in Lions years. But it is believed there is a chance that they will venture to North America too, which would represent a significant break with modern-day touring patterns.

England's travels have become limited to so-called 'Tier 1' nations in the last two decades and more. In 2021, the national team hosted the USA and Canada while Covid restrictions remained in place. Four years earlier, they played two Tests in Argentina. They did the same back in 2013, although that long-haul mission also featured a clash with a South America XV in Montevideo, capital of Uruguay.

In 2009, there were also two Tests against the Argentines – one staged at Old Trafford to provide their union with a revenue boost. It was way back in 2001 when England last played an away Test – aside from at World Cups – against a country outside the sport's elite. Although the Pumas weren't added the expanded annual southern-hemisphere Rugby Championship until 2012, they gained unofficial Tier 1 status after their heroics at the global showpiece in 2007.

Twenty-three years ago, England – albeit minus several Lions – played against the USA in San Francisco, at the end of a tour which also featured two Tests in Canada, as well as additional matches against British Colombia and USA 'A'. Although an England Saxons ('A') team played in the States, in Churchill Cup tournaments, up until 2011, the senior side last visited a decade earlier.

It would be a notable trip for that reason, but also for the potential impact on American efforts to build towards their home World Cup in 2031. The Eagles didn't qualify for the tournament in France last autumn and a home encounter with England would be a box-office means of driving interest as well as on-field standards. It would also fit in with the amended touring model in place this year, whereby top nations play one Test against a Tier 2 side before two against a leading rival.

From 2026, the new Nations Championship will be launched, featuring the Six Nations and Rugby Championship teams, plus – subject to confirmation from SANZAAR (representing Argentina, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa) – Fiji and Japan. That will spell the end of traditional tours, which is something which will be lamented by players as well as spectators.

When the issue was raised with England captain Jamie George here, he said: 'We've spoken about the fact that this could be the last traditional tour – we don't know what the future holds in that respect. What makes it special, with his tour in particular; coming across two countries is a challenge in itself, coming across two hemispheres brings its own challenges.

'I love Test series, playing teams back-to-back. It's fascinating how you need to be tactically across those games. You set people up with plans in game one that you then might try to manipulate differently in game two. That's something I've always loved.'

England are most likely to have Steve Borthwick at the helm for their tour next summer. Mail Sport understands that the RFU have not yet undertaken any contingency planning in the event of the Red Rose head coach being asked by Andy Farrell to take up a role in his Lions management team.

Such a scenario is unlikely but not out of the question. Borthwick is unsurpassed as a technically-accomplished, meticulous, analytical forwards coach. These days, he has a broader, elevated role, but Farrell knows what he can bring from first-hand experience in 2017.

Meanwhile, George expressed his support for the possibility of Kevin Sinfield staying on with England beyond this tour – having previously announced that he would be moving on. The former rugby league legend has been in a kicking, skills and mentoring role, and the skipper said: 'He is such an incredible coach. I couldn't be keener for him to stay. The role he's playing is absolutely invaluable, and he's an absolutely incredible man.'

One Year to Go until historic Lions fixture

• One Year to Go until the Lions play Argentina
• Dublin to host Lions fixture for the first time
• Get your ticket-inclusive travel packages here 

Today marks exactly one year to go until The British & Irish Lions face Argentina at Aviva Stadium in Dublin on Friday 20 June 2025 for the Lions 1888 Cup.

This will be the first time the Lions will play in Ireland and the fixture follows the 1888 Cup match against Japan in Edinburgh ahead of the 2021 Tour of South Africa.

The fixture will also be the first time in eight years that the Lions have played in front a full stadium of fans.

The fixture gives fans the opportunity to see the Lions in action and send off the squad before they embark on their journey to Australia.

Last time we met

The Lions first toured Argentina in 1910 and returned in both 1927 and 1936. The last match between the two sides took place on home soil in 2005 in Cardiff with that fixture ending in a 25-25 draw.

You can watch the full extended highlights now for the first time on YouTube.

Andy Farrell Preview

Lions Head Coach Andy Farrell will return to a stadium he knows very well with Dublin hosting the Argentina fixture for the first time.

Farrell said of the match in Dublin: “The countdown begins. We can’t wait to welcome the fans to Dublin next summer.

“It will be a historic match against Argentina and the chance for our Sea of Red fans to see the Lions in action on home soil before we begin the Series in Australia.”

The pinnacle

With the Lions set to run out in a year’s time, watch back some of the greatest Lions speeches of all time from some of the legends in the sport.

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