Hello everyone! Hope you all are doing great despite the situation of the COVID-19 Pandemic in your respective areas of state. I hope you enjoy this presentation because today I will be sharing some light on the upcoming CASTLE LAGER LIONS SERIES which will be hosted by South Africa.
Now, if you follow rugby very closely, you must be aware that the BRITISH & IRISH LIONS commonly referred to as the LIONS, tour Australia, New Zealand and South Africa every four years. This simply means each of these three teams host the Lions Series once every 12 years.
What makes the 2021 Lions tour special for me is firstly, the confirmation that the three match series will take place despite the host country being hit by the Coronavirus Pandemic.
There were massive concerns at the beginning of the year for the series to be called-off (https://www.rugbypass.com/news/report-lions-tour-on-verge-of-cancellation/) because of increasing case numbers in the country and the United Kingdom, as well as South Africa were uncertain of getting vaccines for its citizens at that time.
There were also talks for the event to take place behind closed doors (https://www.france24.com/en/live-news/20210514-south-africa-planning-to-stage-lions-tour-behind-closed-doors), which would mean no spectators be allowed in the stadium.
But I am glad to write that the games will go ahead starting on July 24th to 7th August with fans permitted to enter match venues.
Secondly, I have been a fan of South African rugby since 2007, not only because they won the Ruby World Cup that year but I somewhat began to understand game itself. Plus, I adored their style of play, particularly their goal kicking from distance and the physical aspect that the team displays on the pitch.
Brief History of Lions Tour of South Africa
Looking at the history of the two sides, there have been 13 series meetings since 1891 with South Africa winning 8 of them to the Lions 4 alongside the one drawn in 155.
The last Lions tour of South Africa was in 2009 with the Springboks winning the series 2-1.
This includes a 26-21 win in Durban followed by a 28-25 victory in Pretoria before going down 28-9 in the final series match in Johannesburg.
Squads
2021 Lions Tour Schedule
Expectations & Final Words
I expect a fascinating series regardless of the winner, given both sets of players have not had much game time due to the global crisis.
This means we can expect a few handling errors at least in the opening fixture scheduled for 24th July.
A lot of hopes are with the hosts and Rugby World Cup Champions as they look to defend the series.
Finally, I wish both teams “all the best” in their preparations and may the best team win. Click link below for more details https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_rugby_union_matches_between_South_Africa_and_the_British_%26_Irish_Lions
I leave you with the 2009 games 1,2 & 3 highlights. Hope you enjoy reading and reliving the moments by watching the videos of the previous meetings of the two teams.
IN THE WHITE 