As far as the British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa is concerned, it’s increasingly becoming obvious that the tournament will not take place in July at the very least, the initially scheduled kick-off time.
Recent reports have indicated that according to World Rugby vice-chairperson Bernard Laporte, a final decision will be made at the end of March on whether the tour will go ahead or not.
With no progression made in South Africa as far as fans being gradually allowed back in stadiums and with the final decision deadline being imminent, the writing is on the wall and as far as the tour is concerned, the question should be what are the alternative options should World Rugby rule out the Lions from coming to the country for the July visit – which is the likely scenario as things stand.
I cannot even begin to imagine a Lions Tour without fans.
For those who don’t know what I’m on about, the British and Irish Lions are a combined international invitational side which tours South Africa, Australia and New Zealand every 12 years. It’s arguably the biggest tournament in rugby along with the World Cup. Some think it’s the best.
The squad is made up of star/in-form players from England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. They usually play the Springboks, Wallabies and All Blacks in a three-Test series which is the pinnacle of the tour. The test matches are normally preceded by multiple matches where the Lions would face premier club sides from whichever country they’re visiting as a curtain-raiser to sharpen themselves for the test series.
Their most recent visit to the Southern hemisphere was in 2017 in New Zealand when they drew 1-1 with the All Blacks after losing the first test, winning the second and sensationally drawing 15-all in the third and final test. It was a result that meant both the Lions and All Blacks shared the trophy.
During their last visit to South Africa in 2009, the Boks emerged as 2-1 victors after winning the first two tests and losing the third match, which was a dead rubber for the Green and Gold.
Rugby Australia, who is confident of the prospect of a 100 per cent fan attendance at their stadiums come July, has, of course, made the audacious offer of hosting the Lions should South Africa fail – a move which makes no sense for South African rugby fans – who were meant to enjoy the Lions’ visit this year.
A move to Australia would not only take away that privilege for local fans, but the country would miss the financial benefits which come with such a major tournament being hosted in the Republic – not to mention we would have to wait for another 12 years (2033) for the next opportunity to experience the British and Irish Lions Tour.
With moving the tour to Australia making little to no sense for the country and fans, the option of moving the date further down would not work either because it would clash with the European rugby calendar – and the end of the year is when the likes of England and Ireland host the Boks, Wallabies and All Blacks for the end-of-year international fixtures.
This writer is not clued up on the possibilities and details which would come with the prospect of postponing the tour to next year – but it seems like the most viable option for everyone involved right now from organisers to players under the current conditions, especially if cancellation is the last option.
Every time the Lions visited the country in the last two tours to South Africa (1997 and 2009), the Boks were world champions as is the case now. It’s a brilliant omen South Africa would like to maintain and I’m sure former Springbok coach Rassie Erasmus is right in insisting that the country’s rugby chiefs would do everything in their power to make the tour happen around these uncertain times.
Because completely cancelling the 2021 British and Irish Lions Tour to South Africa would indeed be a shame.
Also Read: Lions Tour in doubt as pandemic lingers
Also Read: SA Rugby, British & Irish Lions agree 2021 tour goes ahead
