Exclusive interviews and everything you need to know about the Springboks’ highly-anticipated series against the British & Irish Lions can be found in the latest SA Rugby magazine, which is now on sale.
A 12-year countdown is complete, and, as our cover suggests, we are now all set for the ultimate showdown between the world champion Springboks and the iconic British & Irish Lions.
An inordinate amount of work has gone on behind the scenes to ensure this tour could go ahead in South Africa, and regardless of anything else, a series synonymous with sporting grandeur is now set for kick-off.
In this special issue, we unpack everything you could possibly want to know about the highly anticipated eight-match tour, which kicks off on 3 July. We preview each warm-up match, but of course the central focus revolves around the three-Test series.
Springbok coach Jacques Nienaber chatted exclusively to SA Rugby magazine to offer insights into how the national side has prepared for this monumental challenge, while we caught up with World Cup star Handre Pollard and recalled veteran Morne Steyn to find out more about their expectations and ambitions.
Casting an eye to the two squads, we have identified Maro Itoje and Stuart Hogg as two players who could make an impact for the Lions, while analysing what has made Warren Gatland such a successful coach.
On the lighter side, don’t miss the ‘wild side’ feature that pinpoints 10 entertaining tales from previous Lions tours, and then there is also a rewind to the unforgettable 2009 tour, which proved to be one of the most brutal battles of the modern era.
Ultimately, and as Nienaber highlights, SA Rugby were determined to ‘pull out all the stops to make this tour happen’, and the time has finally arrived to sit back and enjoy seeing the Springboks in action again.
The waiting is finally over! Bring it on!
– Craig Lewis
