Smit: I’ve never experienced nerves like that

Former Springbok captain John Smit has reflected on the 2009 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa and revealed how the series brought about unique pressure.

Smit was in conversation with British & Irish Lions chairman Jason Leonard in a webinar hosted by the SA Rugby Legends Association as part of the buildup to next year’s Lions tour of South Africa. Rugby fans can book British lions 2021 tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

Smit: I’ve never experienced nerves like that

“The World Cup comes around every four years and if you’re lucky, you might play in one, maybe two, some three, four, five, but some of the greatest Springboks that have ever lived never got an opportunity to play against the Lions,” said Smit.

‘That responsibility and hype added to what I found extreme pressure.’

Although Smit had led the Springboks to the 2007 World Cup, he admitted there was plenty riding on the outcome of the Lions series.

“We were in a funny situation in 2009 because we were a World Cup-winning team that was two years older and a lot of the guys had scattered around a bit and signed overseas contracts.

“We’d all come together under Peter de Villiers and the motivation to stay together was because we had an opportunity to fix the 1997 result.

Smit: I’ve never experienced nerves like that

“I remember being asked at a press conference the week before the first Test in Durban, “How does this the hype feel compared to the World Cup final?” I played it down from an answer point of view, but in reality, I don’t think I’d ever been that nervous for a Test.

“A, because I was playing tighthead and we were told we’re going to be put under pressure from a scrum point of view and, B, if we didn’t come through with the goods, it would be 24 years of agony.

‘It’s quite a heavy feeling. I’ve never experienced nerves like that.’

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Saders confident of retaining Razor’s services

Crusaders chief executive Colin Mansbridge says Scott Robertson will still be the franchise’s head of coach next year even if he takes a role with the British & Irish Lions.

Robertson was appointed Crusaders head coach in 2017 and has led his team to championships in every season since taking control. But last week, the 45-year-old revealed he has reached out to Warren Gatland to express interest in forming part of the British & Irish Lions coaching group next year. Rugby fans can book British lions 2021 tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

Saders confident of retaining Razor’s services

Robertson, who missed out on the All Blacks coaching job, told a New Zealand radio show that he has turned his attention to the possibility of taking up a role with the Lions.

But while nothing is concrete yet, Mansbridge says the Crusaders board has discussed the possibility of Robertson linking up with the Lions and discussed ways to work around it.

“Without getting into detail about what it actually looked like, there was confidence that we would be able to manage it in terms of commitment to the Crusaders’ campaign, as well as doing this Lions link, Mansbridge said.”

“He is not going to lose focus on the campaign. There is no way he doesn’t want to win another championship. If there is anything that keeps him up at night, it’s that.”

According to Mansbridge, Robertson would be able to focus solely on the Crusaders’ season before joining the Lions set-up, because it is expected that Vodacom Super Rugby will conclude about a month before the Lions tour of South Africa in July.

“He is not going to abandon the campaign at the back end – it would be how does he manage himself? And he’s exceptional at doing that. We are confident that between us we can solve any issue as it arises, Mansbridge said.

Saders confident of retaining Razor’s services

“We would like to see it as an opportunity, rather than see the problems or barriers to it, is our mindset.

“His coach’s paint around this place is going to be thicker than most. It’s as good as, if not better, than a Robbie Deans or Wayne Smith. It’s that sort of impact he’s going to have on this place. I’m not saying Razor holds all the cards, but there is no need to play hardball or be tough or anything like that.”

‘When you show someone that you want them in your whanau and you love them and you love them being there, we just keep reinforcing those, and we will let the documentation and the contracting take care of itself with time.’

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British irish lions tour tickets

 The 2021 British and Irish Lions tour to South Africa is an international rugby union tour which will take place in South Africa in 2021. The British and Irish Lions will play a three-match test series against South Africa. Unlike previous series, where the Lions played seven additional games against local teams, in 2021 there will only be five additional games, making a total of eight.
in May 2019, Warren Gatland agreed to take charge of the team for the third successive time, with both parties agreeing to the deal. Gatland was officially unveiled as the 2021 coach on 12 June 2019.

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Bowe expects incredible Lions series

Former Ireland and British & Irish Lions wing Tommy Bowe have warned the visitors to expect a tough series against the Springboks during their 2021 tour of South Africa.

Bowe was a member of the Lions squad that last toured South Africa in 2009 when the tourists suffered a 2-1 series defeat by the Springboks. Rugby fans can book British lions 2021 tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

Bowe expects incredible Lions series

He started all three Tests against the Boks, but Bowe most vividly remembers the thrilling second Test, when the hosts claimed a 28-25 victory at Loftus Versfeld thanks to Morne Steyn’s long-range penalty winner.

Speaking to the Lions website, Bowe recalled his feelings on that day and the incredible atmosphere created by the supporters.

‘It’s going to be an incredible series and it will be incredibly difficult for the Lions,’ Bowe told the Lions website.

‘My memories of that 2009 Tour are just that second Test – I will never forget the bus going to the stadium in Pretoria. I’ve never seen passion from a crowd like I saw that day going into the stadium in Pretoria – people were shaking the bus and shouting all sorts!

‘The reverberation of the crowd in the changing room of the stadium was just outrageous – you could just feel the supporter’s right outside.’

Bowe expects incredible Lions series

Bowe added that the World Cup-winning Springbok side with the likes of Cheslin Kolbe and Pieter-Steph du Toit will put the Lions through a tough series next year.

‘The Lions are going to be up against the world champions, and South Africa showed that they’re ruthless, physical and a match for anyone. The way they played against England in the World Cup Final, they just showed how difficult they are to play against.

‘I think Pieter-Steph du Toit is just an absolute machine, and of course, they’ve also got Cheslin Kolbe, who’s at the opposite end of the spectrum size-wise but is just so gifted. He’s somebody who, the minute he gets the ball in his hands, can get the whole crowd on their feet to see what he can do. They have no shortage of talent in their team, so it’s going to be an incredible series.’

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bLion’s tour contingencies under consideration

South Africa Rugby CEO Jurie Roux says there will be a serious reconsideration of next year’s British & Irish Lions tour if the current Covid-19 pandemic prevents fans from traveling. DYLAN JACK reports. Rugby fans can book British lions 2021 tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

Roux held a media briefing on Tuesday to update the public on the ticketing system and pricing.

Current coronavirus lockdown restrictions would prevent fans from traveling to South Africa, let alone attending matches during the tour.

bLion’s tour contingencies under consideration

Roux explained that SA Rugby and tour organizers had been working on a best-case scenario, but that the tour would have to be reconsidered if fans are not able to travel, which would have a significant commercial impact.

“We are looking at several different contingencies around what happens if COVID continues in the way that it currently does. The first prize is that that doesn’t happen. The second prize is that there are some restrictions and we can manage those restrictions.

“To be fair, no spectators and an inability for people to travel would commercially not make this viable and there would be a serious reconsideration on how we then continue in terms of the tour.

bLion’s tour contingencies under consideration

“In the buildup to this, in the last couple of months, there was some consideration given to moving it out. We decided on the best-case information that we currently have, is that in all likelihood by June and July next year, travel would have returned to what is deemed normal and that we will be able to continue.’

On Tuesday, SA Rugby announced that tickets from as little as R100 for next year’s Lions tour will be available from 2 September.

However, should the Lions tour be called off, Roux said that there are systems in place to ensure that fans from the UK and South Africa get their money back.

“We are assessing that on a weekly and monthly basis. From a ticketing point of view, there is legislation in place in the UK in terms of repayment if an event like the Lions tour doesn’t happen. We have built-in those securities in terms of the South African ticket sales as well. From a fan point of view, they are covered when it comes to that element.

“We are hoping that does not happen, but we will assess that as we move along.’

As far as postponing the Lions tour goes, Roux explained that it would be highly unlikely as it would cause a shake-up of the global calendar and come into conflict with Premiership and PRO14 dates.

bLion’s tour contingencies under consideration

“In terms of moving the dates of the tour to a later stage next year given the decisions around the global calendar would be unlikely,’ Roux said. ‘It would probably mess with PRL, PRO14, and a few other dates, which would make it highly unlikely.

“Unless everybody gets together like they have done for the global calendar and makes a collective decision to move that. At the moment, I would deem it unlikely. I cannot speak on behalf of the other member unions.’

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Crusaders coach Scott Robertson keen to join British & Irish Lions staff

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson said he has asked about joining the coaching staff of fellow New Zealander Warren Gatland when he leads the British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa next year. Rugby fans can book British lions 2021 tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

Robertson, who missed out on the All Blacks coaching job last year, said a role on the Lions tour would help give him some international experience.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson keen to join British & Irish Lions staff

“I thought, look if I can’t be involved with the All Blacks, what’s the biggest thing – or bigger in its self – the Lions tour – to get involved,” Robertson told New Zealand radio station Gold AM on Friday.

“Obviously Gats (Gatland) has been hugely successful at the international level as a coach, so he’s a person to learn off and also allows me to not have to go offshore to coach and get that international experience.”

Gatland is taking a year off from coaching the Chiefs to coach the Lions.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson keen to join British & Irish Lions staff

Robertson guided the Crusaders to the domestic Super Rugby Aotearoa title earlier this month to add to their three successive Super Rugby titles since he took over in 2017.

The All Blacks appointed Ian Foster, an assistant coach for the past eight years, to succeed Steve Hansen.

Robertson said he had not heard anything back from Lions management yet.

The Lions play three Tests, two in Johannesburg and one in Cape Town, against the world champion Springboks on an eight-match tour from July 3-Aug. 7 next year.

However, SA Rugby chief executive Jurie Roux this week admitted the tour might not go ahead next year if travel restrictions remained in place across the world.

“Travelling for international events will likely still be under more pressure than pre-COVID [in July 2021],” Roux said.

Crusaders coach Scott Robertson keen to join British & Irish Lions staff

“No spectators and people not being able to travel would not make this commercially viable, and then we would discuss how we continue with the tour.

“There has been some talk of moving it out [to a new date], but our travel advice is that by June/July we should be at what is deemed to be normal international travel.

“But we are monitoring it every month.”

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Shaun Edwards wants to focus on France over British and Irish Lions

Former Wales defence coach Shaun Edwards insisted that he would be focussing on France next year over a possible chance of being in the coaching panel of British and Irish Lions.

The Lions are set to tour South Africa in 2021 for a three-game Test series in July and August as head coach Warren Gatland is finalising his backroom staff. Rugby fans can book British lions 2021 tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

Shaun Edwards wants to focus on France over British and Irish Lions

Edwards already has the experience of being with the Lions as defence coach when they last toured South Africa in 2009 under head coach Sir Ian McGeechan but when Gatland took in charge he opted for Andy Farrell as defence coach in the 2013 and 2017 tours of Australia and New Zealand respectively.

He also has worked with Gatland with Wales where he was the defensive coach since 2008 and decided to part away post the 2019 World Cup following which he was handed a similar role with France.

“The French Federation has shown a lot of belief in me,” said Edwards.

“They gave me a four-and-a-half-year deal. When I signed the contract, I pretty much knew that the Lions would be off the radar.

Shaun Edwards wants to focus on France over British and Irish Lions

“I know from personal experience that the Lions has the highest profile of all.

“Not only do you have the support of three million people in Wales, but you also have the whole backing of England, Ireland Scotland as well.

“Being in France makes it different. They probably don’t understand how prestigious it is to be selected for the Lions, but that’s beside the point. I’m not expecting a phone call.”

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Williams: Lions jersey makes you feel 12 foot tall

Former Wales wing Shane Williams has opened up on his pride of wearing a British & Irish Lions jersey during their tour of New Zealand in 2005.

Fresh from helping Wales win a Grand Slam Six Nations title in 2005, Williams was named in the Lions squad for their New Zealand tour. Rugby fans can book British Irish lions tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

In an interview with the Lions website, the short wing recalled feeling like a giant when he was able to pull on the famous red shirt in a historic warm-up match against Argentina in Cardiff.

Williams: Lions jersey makes you feel 12 foot tall

‘To put the Lions jersey on for the first time, I remember putting it on and feeling 12 feet tall,’ Williams told the Lions website. ‘To play for Wales was my dream as a kid and I knew all about the history of the Lions.

‘But I never thought for one minute that I would play for Wales, let alone the Lions. So, when the chance comes along you’re pinching yourself, you are.

‘When I put that jersey on for the Argentina game, I was so proud. It didn’t matter who we were playing, where we were playing, I was so proud.

Williams: Lions jersey makes you feel 12 foot tall

‘The fact that we were playing at the Millennium Stadium was huge because I knew we would have a lot of Welsh fans there. It was at my home stadium and I just couldn’t wait to go. It was a huge honor and it was a capped game as well, so that’s a Lions international Test cap. I’m very proud of that moment and to have my family there watching, it was huge.’

During the tour, Williams would make a small bit of history by equalling a single-game Lions record when he scored five tries in a midweek match against Manawatu.

‘Every time I put the Lions jersey on, whether it be against the All Blacks, South Africa, Manawatu, Otaga, whatever, I was beaming that I’d made it and had that opportunity,’ Williams said.

‘I was put in that Lions squad to score tries, that’s my job. I suppose I’m the Messi or Shearer of rugby. When it comes to football they are there to score goals, I’m there to score tries. Every time there was a game for the Lions I would put my hand up, I wanted to play. I’d play every single game if the coaches would let me.’

Williams: Lions jersey makes you feel 12 foot tall

However, the rest of the tour would not go to plan for the Lions as they were handed a 3-0 series defeat by an All Blacks side inspired by the likes of Dan Carter and Sitiveni Sivivatu.

‘We were completely outplayed – New Zealand in 2005 was probably one of the best All Black teams I played against,’ Williams explained. ‘We were outmuscled, we were outfought, they were absolute class. I remember playing in that second Test and Dan Carter was everywhere. It was probably his best game in a New Zealand shirt I’d say, he was scoring points for fun.

‘They were incredible on that tour. Not only were the Test games tough, the midweek matches as well were so physical, so hard, but that’s life. Sometimes you come up against better teams, better players and you learn a lot from it. I like to think I learned a lot from that tour and wouldn’t change it – it’s been and it’s gone.’

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IPL 2020 will take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10, pending clearances from the Indian government.

During its meeting on Sunday, the IPL governing council decided to set a 24-player limit for each squad and approved the use of unlimited Covid-19 substitutes. Cricket fans can book ipl uae tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

IPL 2020 will take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10, pending clearances from the Indian government.

The window makes IPL 2020 a 53-day event, three days longer than the last two seasons, and the longest of all the eight-team editions of the tournament. Ten of the 53 days will involve double-headers. The matches will be played across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Sharjah, with night matches, starting at 7.30 pm IST (6.00 pm UAE time), and afternoon matches at 3.30 pm IST (2.00 pm UAE time).

A franchise told ESPNcricinfo that detailed fixtures would be sent to them on Monday and that the first leg of the tournament will be played behind closed doors. The Emirates board, earlier this week, had shown a keenness to fill the stadiums to 30-50% capacity.

A BCCI release said the Women’s T20 Challenge would also take place alongside the IPL, featuring three teams playing four matches during the final week of the tournament. The release added that the governing council would finalize and publish its standard operating procedures (SOPs) “in due course, including the agencies to execute and deliver a bio-secure environment for the safe and successful conduct of IPL 2020 Season.”

In the lead-up to the meeting, it was understood that the date for the final was a toss-up between November 8 and November 10. With the latter date chosen, the IPL will for the first time have the final on a weekday – Tuesday.

The BCCI said a meeting with the franchises would be called shortly, and among the logistical and operational issues that will be discussed before the SOPs are ready, three franchises – Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Kings XI Punjab – will likely be seeking clarity on the squad limit, given that all three of them currently have 25 players listed in their squads on the official IPL website.

IPL 2020 will take place in the UAE from September 19 to November 10, pending clearances from the Indian government.

The IPL will retain all its major sponsors, including the Chinese mobile company VIVO, the title sponsor. The topic of Chinese sponsors has been a contentious one in recent weeks, given the cross-border tensions between India and China.

In April, the BCCI postponed the 2020 IPL season indefinitely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The board’s first preference was to stage the event in India, but the rapidly increasing count of coronavirus cases in the country has made that unfeasible. The total count of confirmed cases in India has shot past the 1.75 million marks, which puts the country place behind only the USA and Brazil worldwide.

On July 21, Brijesh Patel, the chairman of the IPL governing council, announced that plans were afoot to hold the tournament in the UAE. Part of the 2014 edition was also held in the UAE since it coincided with the general elections in India.

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Stick: It will be like revenge

Springbok assistant coach Mzwandile Stick says facing the British & Irish Lions was one of the best experiences of his career and he cannot wait for next year’s tour to begin.

The last time the Lions toured South Africa in 2009, Stick – who at the time was captaining the Blitzboks to a World Sevens Series title – had the privilege of facing the tourists in their match against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth. Rugby fans can book British Irish lions tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

Stick: It will be like revenge

The Kings side was coached by current Worcester Warriors director of rugby Alan Solomons and was a largely invitational team, with a bulk of players from overseas clubs, the Vodacom Bulls and a few from the Eastern Cape.

Stick’s Blitzbok teammate, Mpho Mbiyozo, would score the Kings’ only try as the Lions went on to claim a hard-fought 20-8 victory. Stick came on to the field in the second half, but says the memories of that match are still fresh in his mind.

‘It was 11 years ago, but I remember everything from that game,’ Stick said. ‘Many players don’t get the opportunity [of playing against the Lions], but for me, even after retiring, it always brought a smile to my face.

Stick: It will be like revenge

‘We were facing the best players from Europe. Ronan O’Gara kicked 10 points, Ugo Monye scored their only try, and there were many other big names, too. To share the field with all those players created memories that will last a lifetime, and I’m really grateful for that opportunity.

‘At that time, I was still playing for the Blitzboks, but I received a call from Mr Solomons and he asked me to play that game. Myself and Mpho Mbiyozo, who was with me at the Springbok Sevens team, just could not say no to this opportunity.

‘There was one thing that made it very special to me – to play in front of our supporters in Port Elizabeth. It’s the place that made me who I am, and it’s very close to my heart.

‘We had the likes of De Wet Barry, a great Springbok, Solly Tyibilika and Francois Hougaard – a lot of great players, and for me, as a youngster, it was very special to rub shoulders with these guys. Then, looking at the venue, it was going to be the first sports match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium, that was built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. We were really excited to be part of that history.’

Now working under Jacques Nienaber as the Springboks’ assistant coach, Stick says the Lions will have vengeance on their minds after the Springboks’ victories over Wales and England during last year’s World Cup win.

‘The World Cup final against England was very tough and we had to be at our very best – I think facing the Lions will be three times as tough. Unlike at a World Cup, where you do have easier

weeks, there will be no opportunities to take things easy when preparing for the Lions – every training session, every gym session will have to count.

‘We are the current RWC champions – we beat England in the final and Wales in the semi-final, so they are going to come hard for us. It will be like revenge.

‘We’re certainly not expecting anything light. The northern-hemisphere sides are very strong at the moment – all of those teams are very tough, and we’ll make sure that we’re ready for that challenge.’

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