Hello everyone! Welcome back to another presentation on IN THE WHITE. Hope you all are fine. Today, I will be bringing you part 3 of the writing series focused on the CASTLE LAGER LIONS SERIES 2021. In this article, I will look to provide an overview of second match between the SPRINGBOKS and the BRITISH & IRISH LIONS, alongside the importance of the third match of this series from the perspectives of both sides, see how the two teams lineup against each other and conclude with my expectations and prediction.
Overview of Game 2
To start things off, the second test saw a massive turn around by the Springboks as they overturned a 9-6 halftime lead of the British & Irish Lions into a 27-9 victory.
It was quite a physical and intense battle as the referee had to intervene and warn both sets of players on a couple of occasions as emotions of players ran high with some pushing and shoving taking place.
Both teams were penalized for their ill-discipline in the first half, with Duhan van der Merwe of the Lions taking a trip to the bin for a foot-trip on Cheslin Kolbe, then a few minutes later Kolbe copped himself a yellow card warranting 10 minutes on the sideline for tackling Conor Murray in the air. At this point I must say Kolbe was lucky to escape with just a yellow while the nature of the incident suggests red would have been more appropriate. I would not be surprised at all if he is unavailable for the third test this weekend as a result of suspension.
In another sad incident, South Africa’s Piter-steph du Toit had to leave the field due to a shoulder injury after being hit in a crunching tackle by Duhan van der Merwe, which went unchecked by the Television Match Official.
A try saving tackle from Springbok captain Siya Kolisis just before halftime was the main highlight of the first 40 minutes as he denied Robbie Henshaw and the Lions five points or potentially seven had the try been awarded.
Three penalty goals from Dan Biggar of the Lions and two from the boots of Handre Pollard of the Springboks saw the visitors lead 9-6 at the interval.
The second half got off to a sparkling start with a try from Makazole Mapimpi, who caught a pin-point cross kick from fly-half Handre Pollard.
Close to the hour mark, the Boks dominance with ball in hand and territorial advantage were rewarded when they drove a 25 metre maul into the Lions 22, where Faf de Klerk’s grabber kick was clinched by Lukhanyo Am just before it crossed the dead-ball line.
Further to the two second half tries, Pollard added five penalty goals and one conversion for his 17 points contribution in the second spell, which was certainly in the much needed win.
The Lions failed to add points in the second 40 minutes as they could not hold the ball for long and even if they did so, it was kicked away under pressure.
There were too many penalties given away by the tourists at scrum time and during the breakdowns.
What does it mean for Game 3: The Decider?
Well, the Springbok win last weekend means the CASTLE LAGER LIONS SERIES is now tied at 1-1 and whoever wins the next one takes out the series.
Having won the first test and taking a three point lead in the first half of the second test, the visitors would be eager to lift the trophy for fifth time, with last series win in 1997.
For the hosts, the recent victory should be boost to them, the Boks desperately needed a win to keep the series alive, which they have done.
Now it’s about retaining the series which they won in 2009.
An interesting point to note is that this is the first time the series will be decided in the third test as all previous series were decided in the first two tests.
SQUADS
South Africa
British & Irish Lions
Expectations & Prediction
I expect a physical and close contest given the series title is at stake and the squad depth could come in handy which could tip the game in either direction.
Talking about consistency, neither team has been pretty consistent when you look at the two tests.
The opening test saw the Springboks throw away 12-3 halftime lead and the Lions failed to build on from a 9-6 interval lead in the second game.
No doubt that emotions of players will be high and it will come down to who controls them best and concentrates on the task at hand.
I expect the usual kicking battle as seen in the past two games and it may come down to the two fly-half’s to decide the winner.
Given how the Springboks played the second half of the second test, if they pick their game from where they left off, I believe it will be a tough game for the victors.
However, f the hosts are to retain their crown for the next twelve years, they must leave last week’s win behind and focus their game because one thing is for sure, the British & Irish Lions will come roaring back at the Springboks.
As far as my prediction for game three is concerned, I strongly believe the SPRINGBOKS will edge the BRITISH & IRISH LIONS in the series decider this weekend.
With that being said, I wish both teams the very best and leave with the word of acknowledgement and the highlights from game 2 of the CASTLE LAGER LIONS SERIES 2021 for my lovely readers.
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