ALAIN ROLLAND: The officials rose to the occasion for the second Test in Cape Town – referee Ben O’Keeffe was decisive and clearly calling the shots South African TMO Marius Jonker was under big pressure coming into the game But O’Keeffe led the conversations and made Jonker’s job much easier for him The refereeing team … Read more
Nigel Owens insists Cheslin Kolbe was ‘VERY LUCKY’ to avoid a red card for his mid-air collision with Conor Murray… as he also argues Lukhanyo Am was ‘not in control’ of the ball for South Africa’s second try in their win over the Lions Former ref Nigel Owens says he would sent off Cheslin Kolbe … Read more
Lions head coach Warren Gatland aims dig at Rassie Erasmus as he insists ‘I won’t be taking to social media to express my views’ after some controversial calls during second Test defeat against South Africa Warren Gatland took aim at Rassie Erasmus after his side fell to a 27-9 defeat The Lions head coach seemingly … Read more
South Africa vs British and Irish Lions LIVE: More refereeing controversy as Lukhanyo Am has debatable try ALLOWED after Makazole Mapimpi also crossed to give Springboks 12-point lead… with winger Cheslin Kolbe already lucky to escape a red card! By Max Mathews For Mailonline Published: 11:00 EDT, 31 July 2021 | Updated: 14:00 EDT, 31 July 2021 … Read more
Former Wales captain Gareth Thomas has praised the British and Irish Lions after their excellent first test victory against South Africa and is fully confident they can go on to dominate the series. The Lions mounted a brilliant second-half comeback to beat the Springboks 22-17 to take the early advantage in the series at Cape … Read more
THE LIONS FAN VIEW: We wounded the Springboks with the ultimate insult – outmuscling them on their own turf – but to survive next week’s frenzy Warren Gatland must make changes, including starting Liam Williams The British and Irish Lions came from behind to beat South Africa 22-17 Warren Gatland surprised by two or three … Read more
ALAIN ROLLAND: The Lions decided the match through their impressive second-half display, not decisions from the referee… that suggests the officials had a good day at the office The referees didn’t decide the match which is a sign they had a successful day It was the Lions’ performance after the break which proved to be … Read more
The British and Irish Lions benefited from poor second-half South African discipline and TMO official Marius Jonker to claim a precious 22-17 victory in their first Test of their summer tour. Warren Gatland’s side were themselves sloppy in the first-half and conceded six penalties in Cape Town, with Handre Pollard kicking over four times to … Read more
South Africa should not be allowed to use Rassie Erasmus as a waterboy during first Test with Lions, says former international referee Alain Rolland, as he urges World Rugby to investigate controversial ‘loophole’ Springboks director of rugby was used as a waterboy during warm-up games He was seen running on the pitch to deliver tactical … Read more
Courtney Lawes insists he is not sweating over his Lions starting place for the first Test with South Africa… but admits it would mean ‘a great deal’ to be named in the XV Courtney Lawes is relaxed about his chances of starting in the first Lions Test Warren Gatland and his assistant have almost settled … Read more