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Lions wait is finally over

Author: Brandon Barker
Date: 20/06/2009

The waiting is about to come to an end in Durban. After months of preparation, weeks of training and six tour fixtures, the British & Irish Lions aim to knock off world champions South Africa over a three Test series in an attempt to repeat the heroics of Neil Jenkins and Jeremy Guscott in 1997.

Lions skipper Paul O'Connell will lead his charges into what will be a white-hot cauldron at the ABSA Stadium, more commonly known as Kings Park.

The Lions impressively despatched the Sharks at the same venue on June 10 and they will hope for something of a repeat show.

Kings Park also hosted the last time the Lions won a series, as the British tourists took an unassailable 2-0 lead over the Springboks in the second Test of 1997 - also over a world champion side.

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Lions head coach Ian McGeechan has paired Jamie Roberts and Ireland captain Brian O'Driscoll in midfield after a couple of destructive appearances together in the warm-up wins over the Golden Lions and the Sharks.

The trio of Tom Croft, David Wallace and Jamie Heaslip will form a ruthless back row.

Lee Byrne was the favourite and has landed the full-back spot, while Gethin Jenkins is being touted as a huge threat for the South African front row.

A number 10 for the first Test remained a mystery until the squad announcement after James Hook, Stephen Jones and Ronan O'Gara all displayed good form in their run-outs thus far.

Wales' Jones was given the nod but a head injury suffered by Hook in the final warm-up game probably helped the decision-making process.

There are concerns among South Africa about Boks captain John Smit falling victim to the monstrous power of Phil Vickery during scrums.

Smit, a recognised hooker, is expected to oppose the England powerhouse at prop.

Despite scrum fears, the South Africans are likely to pose a formidable threat to any side.

Peter de Villiers led his side to three wins out of three in the 2008 autumn Tests in the northern hemisphere, including a 42-6 humbling of England at Twickenham.

With the likes of Bryan Habana, JP Pietersen, Francois Steyn and Jean de Villiers expected to be named in the South African backline, the Lions are likely to be under huge pressure out wide.

The match is of vital importance to McGeechan's team, as the second two Tests are to be played at altitude - a factor which has already led to problems among the tourists.

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