British And Irish Lions

Coach Peter de Villiers warned his Springbok stars that they faced tough Tests in France, Italy and Ireland during November.

The SA coach may have managed to put together the best Springbok team of all time, writes Andy Capostagno.

Anyone doubting the physicality of modern rugby must only look at the British and Irish Lions tour as witness to the brutal demands made on players.

The Springboks will go into the third and final Test against the British and Irish Lions brimming with confidence as they seek a third straight win

The Springboks are to appeal the two-week ban lock Bakkies Botha received for a dangerous charge on Adam Jones in the second Test on the weekend.

Brian O’Driscoll and Adam Jones are to return home after being ruled out of the final Test against SA, British and Irish Lions officials say.

Injuries and the suspensions of Schalk Burger and Bakkies Botha will heap more pressure on Springbok coach Peter de Villiers.

Schalk Burger and lock Bakkies Botha have been cited for foul play during Saturday’s 28-25 win over the British and Irish Lions.

Replacement flyhalf Morne Steyn landed a 55m penalty in the last minute to give South Africa a 28-25 second Test victory over the Lions on Saturday.

An all-Wales front row take responsibility for the ”Beast” and the fate of the series when the British and Irish Lions meet SA in Saturday’s Test.

The British and Irish Lions starting XV showed five changes for the second Test against South Africa at Loftus Versfeld, in Pretoria on Saturday.

While disappointed not to have claimed a victory against the Emerging Springboks, the British and Irish Lions were happy not to have lost.

British and Irish Lions tighthead prop Phil Vickery, expects to lose his Test place after the mauling by Springbok loosehead Beast Mtawarira.

There are no serious injuries in the Springbok camp as preparations begin for the second Test against the British and Irish Lions.

Shane Williams has admitted he needs to pull out all the stops in the British and Irish Lions’ game against the Emerging Springboks on Tuesday.