South African Lions Tour lures Springboks
The British Lions will arrive in Johannesburg, South Africa in five weeks time for the first Rugby match kickoff on 30 May. The tour has been a major topic in the Springbok camp for well over a year.
Since 1994 there have been around 700 Boks but only 30 have ever played against the Lions. There have also been eight Springbok captains and five team coaches since the last tour so it is understandable that many of the players will turn down large financial enticements to have a go at the British and Irish Lions.
For many of the Boks it is the only opportunity they will ever have to play against the Lions, so it is worth turning down massive contracts overseas to be included in the team. The 1997 tour was not great and this year’s challenge is a chance to even the tables.
The Springboks will start with some advantage. The Lions will have only a few weeks together to build a workable team before the first Test in Durban on June 20 whereas most of the current Springboks side have played together for two or three years. They are also the current World Cup holders.
There is immense pressure on both sides. If the Lions win they could make history as one of the greatest Lions teams of all time. The Boks also take part in the Tri Nations later this year which presents a different set of challenges but both tournaments put huge expectations on the Springboks.
Many Lion’s fans are expected in South Africa to support their team. ”Coupled with the IPL Cricket which ends on 23 May, the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup in June and the ICC 8-Nations Champions’ Trophy in September, South Africa is certainly expecting thousands of fans for the upcoming top level sporting events,” notes Robert Wilson. CEO of travelinsouthafrica.net . “Fans would be well advised to sort out their travel and accommodation soon,” he said.
