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Sat 3rd July

• Lions 14 56 Lions
• Today's Fixtures & Results

British and Irish Lions

• Lions vs British and Irish Lions
• 5:00pm Saturday 3rd July

Tries: Tshituka (35), Maxwane (44) Conversions: Hendrikse (36,45)

Tries: Rees-Zammit (4), Watson (8), Price (33), Adams (41,54,68,72), Davies (66) Conversions: Farrell (5,8,33,42,55,67,69,73)

Lions vs Lions Lions 5:00pm Saturday 3rd July

Sigma Lions 14-56 British and Irish Lions: Josh Adams scores four tries in tour opener in South Africa

Wing josh adams scored four tries for the british and irish lions, while wing louis rees-zammit, flanker hamish watson, scrum-half ali price, and replacement scrum-half gareth davies added further scores; owen farrell landed all eight conversions at ellis park, by michael cantillon.

Last Updated: 07/07/21 8:29pm

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Josh Adams scored four times as the British and Irish Lions began their 2021 tour of South Africa in positive fashion, registering a dominant 56-14 victory over the Sigma Lions in Johannesburg. 

The tourists notched eight tries in total, as debutants Louis Rees-Zammit and Hamish Watson scored early, before Ali Price, Adams (four) and Gareth Davies added further scores.

Owen Farrell, playing at inside-centre, also notched all eight conversions in the win at Ellis Park, while prop Wyn Jones had a further try ruled out after a TMO review.

Warren Gatland's side next face the Cell C Sharks on Wednesday, again at Ellis Park in Johannesburg, live on Sky Sports Action and Main Event.

The tourists took less than four minutes to register the opening try of the contest as wing Rees-Zammit raced in after centre Chris Harris' clever chip kick ahead.

In doing so, Rees-Zammit, at 20 years and 240 days, became the youngest Lions try-scorer since Keith Jarrett against North East Cape at Cradock in 1968.

Finn Russell had orchestrated the early proceedings well from fly-half, and less than three minutes after the opener there was further reward for the positive start as flanker Watson forced his way over for a try under the sticks.

At 14-0 behind, the Sigma Lions were in desperate need of a response, and after a sequence of penalties against the tourists at the set-piece and for failing to roll away, the hosts had prime field position. They could not take advantage of it, however, despite several phases within the 22, as the Sigma Lions were eventually penalised for obstruction.

In the 33rd minute, the British and Irish Lions had their third try through scrum-half Price as a lineout set-piece move worked to perfection to expose the holes in the hosts' disjointed defence: Jamie George threw deep for Farrell to pass out behind for Price to break through on an arcing run.

The Sigma Lions responded on the scoreboard within two minutes, though, as a Farrell missed tackle saw Francke Horn romp down the wing, before fellow back-row Vincent Tshituka finished strongly.

The visitors looked to have had the final say of the half, as Welsh prop Jones dived over in the final minute of the half but was denied a score after a TMO review due to a neck-roll at the ruck by Courtney Lawes.

Within 50 seconds of the second half, the British and Irish Lions did have their fourth score as Adams raced past the flailing tackles of three Sigma Lions players after another successful move off a set-piece.

The hosts replied with their second try moments later as wing Rabz Maxwane ran over untouched after another incisive break from No 8 Horn.

George should have scored for the tourists in the next major chance of the game, but spilled the ball with the line at his mercy, before blindside Sibusiso Sangweni sprinted clear for the Sigma Lions and was only stopped because of an outstanding try-saving tackle from Stuart Hogg.

In the 55th minute, Adams had his second of the game after taking a superb Russell kick-pass in space, after the visitors had stressed the Sigma Lions defence through the middle.

Replacement scrum-half Davies added the next try after nice work with ball in hand from Elliot Daly, before Adams completed his hat-trick with a sprint down the left after a clever Jonny Hill offload.

• Sigma Lions 14-56 British & Irish Lions as it happened
• Rusty Springboks see off Georgia
• Henshaw out of Wednesday's Lions vs Sharks
• Sinckler on raw emotions, Lions experience and 2019

Four minutes after his third score, Adams touched down for his fourth as he was handed another simple finish unopposed, dotting down after collecting Daly's long pass out wide.

The tourists almost notched a further try which would have taken their total beyond 60 on the scoreboard, but replacement hooker Luke Cowan-Dickie was stopped just short after a powerful rolling maul had made inroads.

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Sharks 7-54 British & Irish Lions: tour match – as it happened

A convincing win to end a chaotic day for the Lions

• 7 Jul 2021 FULL TIME! Sharks 7 - 54 Lions
• 7 Jul 2021 TRY! Sharks 7 - 54 Lions (Josh Adams)
• 7 Jul 2021 TRY! Sharks 7 - 47 Lions (Duhan van der Merwe)
• 7 Jul 2021 TRY! Sharks 7 - 40 Lions (Louis Rees-Zammit)
• 7 Jul 2021 TRY! Sharks 7 - 33 Lions (Josh Adams)
• 7 Jul 2021 TRY! Sharks 5 - 26 Lions (James Venter)
• 7 Jul 2021 SECOND HALF!
• 7 Jul 2021 Half time!
• 7 Jul 2021 TRY! Sharks 0 - 26 Lions (Bundee Aki)
• 7 Jul 2021 TRY! Sharks 0 - 19 Lions (Duhan van der Merwe)
• 7 Jul 2021 NO TRY! Luke Cowan-Dickie.
• 7 Jul 2021 YELLOW CARD! Werner Kok (Sharks)
• 7 Jul 2021 TRY! Sharks 0 - 7 Lions (Duhan van der Merwe)
• 7 Jul 2021 TRY! Sharks 0 - 7 Lions (Josh Adams)
• 7 Jul 2021 Kick Off!
• 7 Jul 2021 Preamble
• 7 Jul 2021 Teams

Victorious captain Iain Henderson is here.

“We’ve had an interesting day, for sure, but fair play to the lads who were on tenterhooks waiting to see what would happen. We didn’t get to do some of our matchday routines, but that’s the nature of touring but we achieved what we set out to do and we dug in really well when defending.”

And so the Sharks and the spectre of Covid is defeated for today at least. Some good individual performances combined with some at times irresistable offloading stacked up a big score. Still some defensive drills to work on, but we have to make allowances for the chaos in the build up.

FULL TIME! Sharks 7 - 54 Lions

80 mins . Jack Conan gathers the restart and Finn Russell chip the ball out to gratefully end the strangest of days with a big win

TRY! Sharks 7 - 54 Lions (Josh Adams)

79 mins. Rees-Zammit has another dart up the right and sets the ball up for the Lions to spray it left through hands via Beard and Faletau in the backline to feed Adams to once again score.

Finn Russell takes his time then slots in perfectly from the touchline.

77 mins. It’s reached that point in the game where Rory Sutherland, a prop, has broken than line and sprinted 4o metres upfield like an enlarged Mighty Mouse, but the fun is ruined when his offload can’t find a hand and the Sharks regain possession.

TRY! Sharks 7 - 47 Lions (Duhan van der Merwe)

75 mins. Hamish Watson is on for Josh Navidi and his first meaningful contribution it to win a turnover after another decent short period of Sharks possession. A few phases later the Lions come left and a cheeky one hand slap-pass from Daly find van der Merwe to grab another.

Russell whams a great conversion over from wide out.

72 mins. Josh Navidi is over the line after Maro Itoje slaps the ball clear and the Welsh backrow gallops forty metres to score. But the TMO thinks Itoje was offside...

The ref agrees, no try!

71 mins. Again the Sharks repeatedly come but this time the Lions defence stand firm and legal, turn it over and Rees-Zammit boots it clear.

69 mins. Possession is won by Sharks and the Lions are offside once again in defence as the home team pound away from five metres out. They tap and go quickly but are inches short on another offside penalty. I’m very surprised there hasn’t been a formal warning for the Lions from Peyper yet.

67 mins . Sharks on the attack in the Lions 22 via another strong James Venter carry but they struggle to control possession and Adams clear. On the next possession the Lions are penalised for not rolling away and Sharks will have another lineout deep in opposition territory.

Ken Owens for Cowan-Dickie Taulupe Faletau for Tom Curry Jack Conan for Sam Simmonds

TRY! Sharks 7 - 40 Lions (Louis Rees-Zammit)

62 mins . Adams fields a grubber, carries up to his own ten metre line and offloads out of a two-man tackle to Rees-Zammit who burns away from the defence and scores from 60 metres.

Russell adds the two.

TRY! Sharks 7 - 33 Lions (Josh Adams)

57 mins . Sharks centre Marius Louw snaffles a turnover on his own 22 but spills it backwards which allows Josh Adams following through to hack the ball on and score. A heartbreaker for Louw who did well and has had a great game.

Finn Russell, on for Owen Farrell, converts.

55 mins. Louw throws an outrageous dummy and shimmy in midfield just inside his own half and sets off on a powerful run into Lions territory. Once again the Sharks put some solid phases together before Kok gathers his own kick and feeds the lock Ruben van Heerden who is a little isolated and allows a grateful covering Ali Price to clamp onto the ball and win a relieving ruck penalty.

53 mins . Tadhg Furlong and Rory Sutherland are on in the Lions front row for Vunipola and Fagerson.

TRY! Sharks 5 - 26 Lions (James Venter)

52 mins. Lovely try this. Sharks are attacking up the right hand side, running angles off each runner to allow multiple offloads before the ball finds Venter on the right touchline who shakes off a tackler to touch down.

Bosch converts.

49 mins. Aki drives the Lions into the 22 but his offload can’t find Tom Curry’s supporting run and the ball is turned over for Bosch to clear. However the ball is coming back via strong run back into the Sharks half from Josh Adams.

46 mins. An intricate short scissor move is attempted by the Lions forwards at the rear of a lineout in the Sharks 22 but the ball goes to ground. It’s not forward so play continues before Lions obstruct in attack and allow Bosch to clear the lines.

43 mins. An early penalty for Sharks at the scrum as their modest success there continues, but they can’t capitalise as an attempted chip and chase ends with a Lions penalty for Louw shoving Farrell in the back off the ball.

You’re all reading the football coverage now, aren’t you?

SECOND HALF!

40 mins. Owen Farrell restarts proceedings

“Is South Africa’s plan to give the Lions such poor opposition, who can’t defend (see Sharks here), that it won’t matter that South Africa have played once in the last 19 months by the first test?” asks John Ryan. “This is some of the worst defence you’ll ever see.”

Yep, they are not best in the organisation stakes the Sharks, but the Lions rearguard is nothing to write you Mam about either. Better opposition would be over the line a few time this half methinks.

Mid-way Musings.

It looked like it was going be very grim indeed for Sharks after six minutes. While 26-0 is still fairly grim it could have been a lot worse but for them putting together some periods of decent possession and giving the Lions no small amount of bother at set-piece.

Some lovely offloading and attacking phases from the Lions, but they look a poor team in defence at times, and the fact they haven’t conceded is down to a lack of precision from their opponents at key times rather than a convincing defensive effort.

PEEP! That’s the last action of the half and the team retreat down the tunnel.

TRY! Sharks 0 - 26 Lions (Bundee Aki)

40 mins. From a lineout in the Sharks half, the Lions find Simmonds again on an in-to-out angle in midfield. The Exeter man drops the hammer, sears past Louw and runs free into the Sharks 22. Off another lineout a few phases later, Aki picks up and drives over from five metres.

Farrell makes not mistake from the tee.

36 mins . A lively, jinking run from Thaakir Abrahams off his right wing carries Sharks through a gap in the Lions defence before Adams and van de Merwe close the door in the 22. The home side can’t capitalise however as they spill the ball on the next phase.

Game of two performances by the Lions so far: with the ball, decent; without it, not so much.

34 mins. Sam Simmonds has his first carry in the loose as he’s fed by Farrell in midfield. He sucks in a few tacklers and the Lions push the ball left through hands and are nearly in again but for the ball being spilled 5m from the line by van der Merwe.

31 mins. The Sharks front row of Khwezi Mona, Fez Mbatha, Khutha Mchunu is having a proper go at their more storied opponents and they win their second scrum penalty after forcing Mako Vunipola to the ground under pressure.

TRY! Sharks 0 - 19 Lions (Duhan van der Merwe)

27 mins. From a scrum on halfway Owen Farrell fires a bullet gubber into open pasture for van der Merwe to chase which the winger taps forward with his boot and dives on to score in the left corner. Farrell’s first missed conversion of tour follows.

Sharks defence completely all over the shop off first phase there, but in there defence they are a winger down with Kok in the bin.

24 mins. Navidi snaffles the ball in midfield from a Louw handling error and the Lions fire it right for Farrell to slide a diagonal kick for Rees-Zammit to chase. The winger gets there but holds onto the ball a little too long the on the ground and is penalised.

NO TRY! Luke Cowan-Dickie.

21 mins. A catch and drive in the lineout has the Lions pack over the line, but Cowan-Dickie gets himself into a poor position on his back and can’t place the ball down over his head without spilling it. The TMO confirms Ref Peyper’s suspicions and it’s not given.

YELLOW CARD! Werner Kok (Sharks)

20 mins. Sharks spill the ball to bring a decent phase of possession. It looks like the Lions have lost the ball in the own 22 as Ali Price throws a big wild pass behind van der Merwe, but the big wing regathers and puts his team back on the attack. The ball is through hands and multiple offloads quickly and the Lions go 70 metres upfield before Kok dives on the ruch and is shown his marching orders for 10 minutes.

17 mins. Marius Louw trucks a big carry up into the Lions 22 and the tourists give a penalty away first for offside again, then another for a high tackle. The regular problem of poor defence discipline takes hold again.

On the next attack the Sharks are up within inches of the line but Tom Curry rips the ball out of the ruck for a turnover. He looked very much off his feet, but Ref Peyper is happy.

14 mins. After five unproductive phases of short carries around the ruck Sharks spray it right and then back to the left for the leonine coiffured Werner Kok to break free on the touchline. He beats Ali Price but can’t find an inside runner with his pass with the line beckoning from 20 or so metres.

12 mins. A knock on at the lineout through pressure from Adam Beard brings the Sharks mini-possession to a frustrating end. At the resulting scrum the Lions win a penalty of their own which Farrell wallops it into touch on the Sharks 10m line.

9 mins. Sharks have a penalty after Lions drift offside in the tackle line which Curwin Bosch send out for a lineout in the opposition 22. First defensive test of the game coming for the tourists.

TRY! Sharks 0 - 7 Lions (Duhan van der Merwe)

7 mins. Mako Vunipola bumps a couple and the Lions recycle quickly and run a lovely attacking pattern through hands left to van der Merwe who is round Thaakir Abrahams to touch down.

Speed of ball and precision of passing is killing the Sharks at the minute.

Another two points for Farrell extends the lead.

TRY! Sharks 0 - 7 Lions (Josh Adams)

3 mins . The Lions put the ball through hands early, going left then all the way right before Rees-Zammit nips a grubber forward but is beaten to it by the covering Manie Libbok. On the next Lions possession there’s two smart offloads in the Sharks 22 and the final one finds Josh Adams to make it 6 in three matches for today’s fullback.

Farrell converts.

1 min. Ref Jaco Peyper peeps his whistle allowing Curwin Bosch send the ball into the smoky haze left by the pre-match pyrotechnics and we’re underway

@bloodandmud the big question is about playing load. I think @sirianmcgeechan is correct in suggesting a ten day break after today. Unless those in isolation are somehow selectable on Saturday — Feargus Woods Dunlop (@thisactorslife) July 7, 2021

Well, the good news is there is no game on Saturday Fergus as the Bulls game has already been postponed, so the next outing is a week today vs South Africa A. This should give all the players who have played a decent break and eat into some Covid isolation time for the others.

A straight bat from the Lions MD there , which is no surprise given the high likelihood something like this was bound to happen and protocols are no doubt in place.

However, we’re all looking on the gloomy side here and missing that the British & Irish Lions has now become like a club third team fixture - basically one step away from borrowing players from the Sharks to make up numbers.

Does this threaten “the integrity of the tour” (whatever that means)? I say no. Nothing harks back to the amateur era in the way the Lions do and a midweek game feeling exactly like a club match, complete with all it’s ramshackle imperfections only gives it some more charm.

Barely any players? No crowd? At least three lads not expecting to play so had to rush straight from work? I played a game like that once at Trinant in the South East Wales league.

Ben Calveley MD of the Lions is here:

“We’ve had one positive case in the management team with four close contacts; we’ve tested everyone and there is one other positive, with a close contact and so we’ve isolated who we needed to. We’ve taken advice from our medical advisory group and they’ve confirmed it’s OK to proceed”

“No bubbles are impervious as we’ve found throughout the world of sport, but we’re pleased we have acted quickly, taken advice and that the fixture is going ahead. We’re here in South African and our intention is complete all the games we can here in South Africa.”

“Nearly all of the Lions tour party have been double jabbed and it’s not for me to answer whether the Springboks have been vaccinated. Again, we see this as a positive, we’re here to play rugby and we’re really pleased we have a fixture on tonight”

What about all this then, eh? Let me have your thoughts on the email via tweet @bloodandmud . Much to discuss, without ball being dropped in anger yet.

Pre match reading

Get the full run-down on what the hell’s beeen going on from Gerard Meagher here

One upshot of the Covid drama in the build up is that the Lions backline as was originally named has been decimated. Ali Price and Owen Farrell replace Gareth Davies and Dan Biggar at half-back while Josh Adams moves to fullback as Louis Rees-Zammit comes in on the wing. Aki and Daly in the centres are as you were, at least.

In the less disrupted part of the park, Warren Gatland selects his third captain in three games as Ulster and Ireland lock Iain Henderson is given the armband. A great reward for a player who doesn’t get the notices he deserves for his class and form over a sustained period at international level. Much babbled excitement in the build-up has focused on the back-row of debutant Tom Curry, plus Josh Navidi and Sam Simmonds - a trio with muscular dynamism aplenty.

The Lions bench is now a 7-1 (!) split with Finn Russell the man covering the entire backline among other changes. I, for one, want to see Hamish Watson and Taulupe Faletau in the centres at some point

Sharks make one change to a team that recently lost to Western Province, with young captains Phepsi Buthelezi bac in at No 8. In a taste of things to come for the Lions, Sharks have names six forwards on the bencch

Sharks: Manie Libbok; Werner Kok, Jeremy Ward, Marius Louw, Thaakir Abrahams; Curwin Bosch, Jaden Hendrikse; Khwezi Mona, Fez Mbatha, Khutha Mchunu, Ruben van Heerden, Hyron Andrews, James Venter, Thembelani Bholi, Phepsi Buthelezi (capt).

Replacements: 16 Kerron van Vuuren, 17 Ntuthuko Mchunu, 18 Wiehahn Herbst, 19 JJ van der Mescht, 20 Reniel Hugo, 21 Dylan Richardson, 22 Grant Williams, 23 Anthony Volmink.

Lions: Josh Adams; Louis Rees-Zammit, Elliot Daly, Bundee Aki, Duhan van der Merwe; Owen Farrell, Ali Price; Mako Vunipola, Luke Cowan-Dickie, Zander Fagerson, Iain Henderson (capt), Adam Beard, Josh Navidi, Tom Curry, Sam Simmonds.

Replacements: 16 Ken Owens, 17 Rory Sutherland, 18 Tadhg Furlong, 19 Tadhg Beirne, 20 Jack Conan, 21 Finn Russell, 22 Hamish Watson, 23 Taulupe Faletau.

Welcome to Johannesburg, where the British & Irish Lions are facing Cell C Sharks, now of the United Rugby Championship.

Make the most of this match everyone as it may be the last one we have to enjoy as COVID takes its grip on various squads across South Africa like a microscopic, spiteful, armoured sticky-bob. The tour match vs Bulls is already not going to happen ever postponed from this coming Saturday, while the Springboks have cancelled their second Test versus Georgia due to outbreaks in all the respective squads. And then this game was hanging by a thread after a member of Lions management and two players tested positive and we awaited a rapid battery of PCR test results. But the news was positive (not in that way) and the game is goer.

The Sharks have mustered a squad for today, but they are shorn of their internationals and previous form on Lions tours - two matches, two Sharks losses - suggests this should be a handy win for the visitors. But a win being a given against such opposition means that Warren Gatland can make sure that by the end of today everyone in his squad has had game-time, and he also has the opportunity to try out new combinations such as Bundee Aki and Elliot Daly in the midfield.

South Africa at large was much unimpressed with the Lions showing vs the other Lions at the weekend, and quite a few back home were unimpressed also. Gatland won’t give one about that as his eyes are firmly on what happens from 24 July onwards, but some improvement is ruck tidiness in attack and defence, consolidation of the attacking maul, better discipline when scrambling, and a further development of the flashes of Gregor Townsend’s inventive attacking patterns would be welcome

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'Always going to be tight' - reaction after South Africa snatch series win over Lions

Tour results ; Match report

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FT: South Africa 19-16 British and Irish Lions

That's all from us - thanks for joining our coverage of the Lions' tour to South Africa.

It's been a strange tour with no fans inside the stadiums, and it's ultimately ended in defeat for the Lions.

The famous red jerseys will be packed away for another four years now, before they remerge in 2025 for the tour to Australia...

'A tough series in all shapes and forms'

Springbok captain Siya Kolisi said: "It's been a tough series in all shapes and forms.

"It was tough game and I'm grateful and happy how the boys responded. It feels a little weird because the stadium is empty. Both teams were desperate to win but we stuck to our guns."

'Penalty count so important at this level' - Gatland

More from Gatland:

"It is a bit of Deja vu [having Morne Steyn score the winning penalty]

"The penalty count was against us 15-12. At this level it is so important. Your aim is to keep your penalties under 10 and if you can do that it makes a big difference

"You get one or two chances at this level and you've got to make the most of it."

Lions need 'adequate preparation' - Gatland

Gatland was asked whether he would like to be involved in another tour and what the future holds for the Lions.

"In terms of the involvement a lot of things can happen in four years," he said.

"The Lions need to go and talk to the clubs and the unions about having that adequate preparation time to go on tour.

"Playing away from home with a lot of travel and a lot of expectation to win a series.... When you are putting the best players together we get less preparation than the national teams when they go on their own tours.

"Hopefully within the next six months they can iron that out or we can get the schedule for four years tidied up so you can get the whole squad together before you go on tour. That would make a significant difference."

'The two things players want to be a part of'

Warren Gatland added: "If you talk to anyone, the players involved and anyone from the southern hemisphere there are two events on the world calendar.

"One is the World Cup and one is the Lions. Those are the two things that players want to be a part of.

"It holds a lot of players back in the southern hemisphere, who may resign for the national team to be a part of playing against the Lions.

"On normal tours it generates a huge amount of financial reward for the Southern hemisphere teams. It is something we need to preserve because it is a very important part of the rugby cycle."

'Always going to be tight'

Lions head coach Warren Gatland: "When you are playing against the world champions you know they are going to be really tight contests. It is going to be the bounce of the ball or a call.

"From that point of view, some key moments but it was always going to be a bounce of the ball. It was always going to be tight."

'It could have gone any way' - Gatland

Warren Gatland said in his post-match news conference:

"I’m disappointed but I'm really proud of the effort the boys put in today.

"I thought we were bold and went out there to play some rugby. A couple of 50/50 calls probably didn't go our way.

"You know it's not going to be easy going away and playing the world champions.

"It could have gone any way and our congratulations to South Africa."

Post update

'south africa did more with what they had at their disposal'.

Bobby Skinstad

Former South Africa captain on BBC Radio 5 Live

I'm a happy man but I just feel we squeaked in. But I'm certainly not a happy man because it was a deserved victory by a team in command of the Test match.

I think we just did a little more with what we had at our disposal. But what a game. We saw more running and a real clash of teams that had a mix of needing to move the ball, and needing to win, but also paralysed by the fear of making mistakes.

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Mark: Lack of ambition, hubris and negativity from Gatland permeated this Lions' team. An ugly tour but a fair result. SA are world champions for a reason

'We were in it until the death'

Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones was left with mixed feelings at full time.

“Obviously hugely disappointed with the result but I think the endeavour and the turnaround was there from last week,” he told Sky Sports.

“We were in it until the death. I’m very proud of the bunch, very conscious of what we represent but hugely disappointed.”

Following what was a fourth Lions tour, the Welshman, battling his emotions, did not want to be drawn on whether it would be his last time in the red jersey.

“This one in particular I had to work harder the second time to get out here,” he said.

“I know a lot of these guys will be out here on the next one, so I look forward to watching them.”

'There were 14 points left out there'

Shane Williams

Former Wales international on BBC Radio 5 Live

Especially in the first half, you look at the territory and the possession the Lions had, there were definitely 14 points left out there.

But they were in control and played with tempo. Finn Russell made the world of difference because he was getting the ball outside of the wide channels.

But unfortunately in the second half, South Africa slowed the game down to a tempo that suited them. It took about the 16th minute until the Lions woke up.

British and Irish Lions Test results

24 July - First Test: South Africa 17-22 Lions

• Try: Cowan-Dickie Con: Biggar Pens: Biggar 4, Farrell

31 July - Second Test: South Africa 27-9 Lions

• Pens: Biggar 3

7 August - Third Test: South Africa 19-16 Lions

• Try: Owens Pens: Russell 3 Con: Russell

All matches at Cape Town Stadium

'Fascinating'

2009 Lions winger Ugo Monye on BBC Radio 5 Live

The second most important person after the referee is the TV director. The TMO can only make a decision based on the camera angles the director shows him.

I find it fascinating the amount of cameras in HD we have at these stadiums, and the angles are there.

The referee has the weight of the world on him, but we also have to be sympathetic as these are the parameters they are working to.

Siya Kolisi was an absolute colossus in this series.

The Springbok skipper was full of emotion at full-time...

BBC Radio 5 Live

You can listen in to all of the reaction over on BBC Radio 5 Live now.

Ugo Monye and Chris Jones are joined by Rob Kearney.

'A game full of regret'

Former British and Irish Lions full-back Rob Kearney said: "It will definitely be a game full of regret for the Lions. They lost it as opposed to South Africa winning it. Finn Russell was superb and he brought pace and ambition.

"We spoke about this side being braver and take more risks, and we cannot in any way lament them for that.

"Just in that last five to 10 minutes, they started getting a bit sloppy and their protection at the breakdown let them down."

'They are quite some beasts to wrestle with'

I've just seen Alun Wyn Jones try to connect his thoughts and emotions it is tough to watch.

Especially coming so close, when you know how much it takes to come together as four nations and beat the world champions.

Firstly, you have to congratulate South Africa. It has been a tough build-up for them and they looked tired and fatigued in the second half.

But to come back and show that resilience, they are quite some beasts to be able to wrestle with.

The World's Greatest, Tour.

Eight matches, six weeks and three tests against the 2019 world champions – welcome to the british & irish lions tour to south africa in 2021..

The British & Irish Lions played three Test matches against the Springboks in and Johannesburg, as well as five other matches that also took place in Johannesburg, Pretoria and Cape Town.

Rugby Union: Lions Tour 2021 Scores

Rugby Union World

Lions Tour 2021 live scores, results

Les jeux d’argent et de hasard peuvent être dangereux : pertes d’argent, conflits familiaux, addiction…

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Lions Tour 2021 guide: Fixtures, results, squad details and historic results for the tour of South Africa

The British and Irish Lions tour of South Africa runs from July 3 to August 7, as head coach Warren Gatland's side play eight matches, culminating in a three-match Test series against the world champions. We have full details of the tour including fixtures, TV schedule, squads, historic results and team news.

British & Irish Lions results

Test matches.

• Saturday July 24: South Africa 17-22 Lions
• Saturday July 31 : South Africa 27-9 Lions
• Saturday August 7: South Africa 19-16 Lions

Warm-up games

Pre-tour warm-up

• Saturday June 26: Lions 28-10 Japan

Tour warm-up games

• Saturday July 3: Emirates Lions 14-56 Lions
• Wednesday July 7: Cell C Sharks 7-54 Lions
• Saturday July 10: Cell C Sharks 31-71 v Lions
• Wednesday July 14: South Africa ‘A’ 17-13 Lions
• Saturday July 17: DHL Stormers 3-49 Lions

Where to watch the Lions tour

All games are will be broadcast live exclusively on Sky Sports. Channel 4 will broadcast highlights.

You can watch pre and post-match Lions press conferences on sportinglife.com here

What is a Lions tour?

A British and Irish Lions tour involves a group of players selected from each home nation of England, Ireland, Wales and Scotland. Selection is based on the form of these players for their country and club and is designed to bring the best players from each nation together to form a 'super team'.

This squad comes together every four years to then travel to either South Africa, New Zealand and Australia, rotating between these three nations. Hence the Lions visit each country once every 12 years.

Each tour comprises 'warm-up' matches again provincial or club sides, before playing three, or historically four, 'Tests' against the national team. Whichever side wins the majority of these matches wins the Test series and thus a Tour is determined a victory or defeat.

The Lions have toured 37 times, winning 15 tours, losing 20 and drawing two, including their last tour in 2017 against New Zealand.

British and Irish Lions squad quick view

Scroll to the bottom of the page for full details of each player

• Head coach: Warren Gatland
• Attack coach: Gregor Townsend
• Forwards coach: Robin McBryde
• Defence coach: Steve Tandy
• Kicking coach: Neil Jenkins
• Captain: Conor Murray

Tadhg Beirne (Ireland), Jack Conan (Ireland), Luke Cowan Dickie (England), Tom Curry (England), Zander Fagerson (Scotland), Taulupe Faletau (Wales), Tadhg Furlong (Ireland), Jamie George (England), Iain Henderson (Ireland), Jonny Hill (England), Maro Itoje (England), Wyn Jones (Wales), Courtney Lawes (England), Ken Owens (Wales), Sam Simmonds (England), Kyle Sinckler (England), Rory Sutherland (Scotland), Justin Tipuric (Wales), Mako Vunipola (England), Hamish Watson (Scotland).

Josh Adams (Wales), Bundee Aki (Ireland), Dan Biggar (Wales), Elliot Daly (England), Gareth Davies (Wales), Owen Farrell (England), Chris Harris (Scotland), Robbie Henshaw (Ireland), Stuart Hogg (Scotland), Conor Murray (Ireland), Ali Price (Scotland), Louis Rees-Zammit (Wales), Finn Russell (Scotland), Duhan van der Merwe (Scotland), Anthony Watson (England), Liam Williams (Wales)

South Africa squad

Thomas du Toit (Cell C Sharks) Steven Kitshoff (DHL Stormers); Vincent Koch (Saracens); Frans Malherbe (DHL Stormers); Ox Nché (Cell C Sharks); Trevor Nyakane (Vodacom Bulls); Coenie Oosthuizen (Sale Sharks); Joseph Dweba (Bordeaux-Bègles); Malcolm Marx (Kubota Spears); Bongi Mbonambi (DHL Stormers); Scarra Ntubeni (DHL Stormers); Lood de Jager (Sale Sharks); Eben Etzebeth (Toulon); Nicolaas Janse van Rensburg (Montpellier); Franco Mostert (Honda Heat); Marvin Orie (DHL Stormers)

Aphelele Fassi (Cell C Sharks); Cheslin Kolbe (Toulouse); Willie le Roux (Toyota Verblitz); Makazole Mapimpi (Cell C Sharks); Sbu Nkosi (Cell C Sharks,); Yaw Penxe (Cell C Sharks); Rosko Specman (Toyota Cheetahs); Damian Willemse (DHL Stormers); Lukhanyo Am (Cell C Sharks); Damian de Allende (Munster); Jesse Kriel (Canon Eagles); Wandisile Simelane (Emirates Lions); Frans Steyn (Toyota Cheetahs); Elton Jantjies (Pau); Handré Pollard (Montpellier); Morné Steyn (Vodacom Bulls); Faf de Klerk (Sale Sharks); Herschel Jantjies (DHL Stormers); Sanele Nohamba (Cell C Sharks); Cobus Reinach (Montpellier)

Lions historic results against South Africa

The Lions have toured South Africa 13 times, winning four Tours and losing eight, including the last visit in 2009.

Tours: 13; Won 4; Drawn: 1; Lost 8

• 2009: Lost 1-2
• 1997: Won 2-1
• 1980: Lost 1-3
• 1974: Won 3-0-1 (Four Test series)
• 1968: Lost 3-0-1 (Four Test series)
• 1962: Lost 0-3-1 (Four Test series)
• 1955: Drew 2-2 (Four Test series)
• 1938: Lost 2-1
• 1924: Lost 0-3-1 (Four Test series)
• 1910: Lost 1-2
• 1903: Lost 0-2-1
• 1896: Won 3-1 (Four Test series)
• 1891: Won 3-0

British and Irish Lions squad full details

Zander Fagerson Position: Prop Nationality: Scotland Club: Glasgow Warriors

Tadhg Furlong Position: Prop Nationality: Ireland Club: Leinster

Wyn Jones Position: Prop Nationality: Wales Club: Scarlets

Kyle Sinckler Position: Prop Nationality: England Club: Bristol Bears

Rory Sutherland Position: Prop Nationality: Scotland Club: Edinburgh

Mako Vunipola Position: Prop Nationality: England Club: Saracens

Luke Cowan-Dickie Position: Hooker Nationality: England Club: Exeter Chiefs

Jamie George Position: Hooker Nationality: England Club: Saracens

Ken Owens Position: Hooker Nationality: Wales Club: Scarlets

Tadgh Beirne Position: Second-row/flanker Nationality: Ireland Club: Munster

Iain Henderson Position: Second-row Nationality: Ireland Club: Ulster

Jonny Hill Position: Second-row Nationality: England Club: Exeter Chiefs

Maro Itoje Position: Second-row Nationality: England Club: Saracens

Courtney Lawes Position: Second-row/flanker Nationality: England Club: Northampton Saints

Tom Curry Position: Flanker Nationality: England Club: Sale Sharks

Justin Tipuric Position: Flanker Nationality: Wales Club: Ospreys

Hamish Watson Position: Flanker Club: Edinburgh

Jack Conan Position: Number eight Nationality: Ireland Club: Leinster

Taulupe Faletau Position: Number eight Nationality: Wales Club: Bath

Sam Simmonds Position: Number 8 Nationality: England Club: Exeter Chiefs

Gareth Davies Position: Scrum-half Nationality: Wales Club: Scarlets

Conor Murray Position: Scrum-half Nationality: Ireland Club: Leinster

Ali Price Position: Scrum-half Nationality: Scotland Club: Glasgow Warriors

Dan Biggar Position: Fly-half Nationality: Wales Club: Northampton

Owen Farrell Position: Fly-half Nationality: England Club: Saracens

Finn Russell Position: Fly-half Nationality: Scotland Club: Racing 92

Bundee Aki Position: Centre Nationality: Ireland Club: Connacht

Elliot Daly Age: 28 Position: Centre / full-back / wing Nationality: England Club: Saracens

Chris Harris Age: 30 Position: Centre Nationality: Scotland Club: Gloucester

Robbie Henshaw Position: Centre Nationality: Ireland Club: Leinster

Josh Adams Position: Wing Nationality: Wales Club: Cardiff Blues

Louis Rees-Zammit Position: Wing Nationality: Wales Club: Gloucester

Duhan van der Merwe Position: Wing Nationality: Scotland Club: Edinburgh

Anthony Watson Position: Wing / full-back Nationality: England Club: Bath

Liam Williams Position: Wing / full-back Nationality: Wales Club: Scarlets

Stuart Hogg Position: Full-back Nationality: Scotland Club: Exeter Chiefs

Lions Tour 2021 Latest Results, Lions Tour 2021 Current Season's Scores  

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🏆 UConn and Purdue's unique path to Monday

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NCAA.com | April 3, 2024

2024 wbit: bracket, schedule, tv channels for the women's tournament.

No. 4 Illinois captured the inaugural Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament title, defeating No. 1 Villanova 71-57. Illinois' Makira Cook was named the 2024 WBIT Most Outstanding Player.

INAUGURAL @WBITWBB CHAMPS. #Illini | #HTTO | #OneWay pic.twitter.com/SKiMbw9a7I — Illinois Women's Basketball (@IlliniWBB) April 4, 2024

This year marked the first edition of the Women's Basketball Invitation Tournament (WBIT). The 32-team field was chosen by the WBIT selection committee.

Here's a quick rundown of the event:

2024 WBIT bracket

Tap here for the printable bracket ➡️

2024 WBIT schedule, TV channels

Wednesday, April 3 | Championship

• No. 4 Illinois 71, No. 1 Villanova 57

Introducing the 2024 WBIT Most Outstanding Player 👏 Makira Cook, Illinois #ElevateTheGame pic.twitter.com/Njv7RPn5dR — Women’s Basketball Invitation Tournament (@wbitwbb) April 4, 2024

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Thursday, March 21 | First round

• Belmont 77, No. 4 Ball State
• No. 1 Penn State 84, George Mason 80
• Stony Brook 81, No. 1 James Madison 70
• No. 4 Illinois 74, Missouri State 69
• St. John's (NY) 79, No. 3 Florida 60
• No. 2 Toledo 76, Cleveland State 68
• No. 1 Villanova 75 , VCU 60
• No. 4 Virginia 81, High Point 59
• No. 3 Saint Joseph's 54, Seton Hall 47
• No. 3 TCU 67, North Texas 58
• No. 3 Tulsa 80, Arkansas 62
• No. 2 Mississippi State 84, Georgia Tech 47
• No. 1 Washington State 66, Lamar 46
• No. 4 Santa Clara 60, BYU 59
• No. 2 California 65, Hawaii 60
• Georgetown 64, No. 2 Washington 56

Sunday, March 24 | Second round

• No. 2 Toledo 72, St. John's 71 
• No. 1 Villanova 73,  No. 4 Virginia 55
• No. 2 Mississippi St. 68,  No. 3 TCU 61
• No. 4 Illinois 79,  Stony Brook 62 
• No. 3 Tulsa 73,  Georgetown 61
• No. 1 Washington St.73, No. 4 Santa Clara 47
• No. 3 Saint Joseph's 63 , No. 2 California 61

Monday, March 25 | Second round

• No. 1 Penn State 74,  Belmont 66

Thursday, March 28 | Quarterfinals

• No. 1 Penn State 92, No. 2 Mississippi State 87
• No. 1 Villanova 67,  No. 3 Saint Joseph's 59
• No. 4 Illinois 69, No. 3 Tulsa  61
• No. 1 Washington State 63,  No. 2 Toledo 61

Monday, April 1 | Semifinals

• No. 1 Villanova 58 , No. 1 Penn State 53
• No. 4 Illinois 81,  No. 1 Washington State 58 

How WBIT teams are selected

The WBIT selection committee, made up of five former DI women's basketball coaches and three current/former Division I athletic administrators will choose the field.

First, second and quarterfinal games will be held at campus sites. Action then moves to Hinkle Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, for the semifinals and championship.

HOW IT WORKS:  Tap here for a full explanation of the selection process

The top 16 teams, as selected by the committee, will host the first round games, provided they submit a bid and meet the minimum hosting requirements. Regular season champions of DI conferences not selected to the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship secure automatic qualification into the WBIT. The first four teams out of the NCAA Division I Women's Basketball Championship — as determined by the Division I Women's Basketball Committee — receive automatic bids and will be the top four seeds in the WBIT.

• Career triple-double leaders in women's college basketball

Women's college basketball all-time leading scorers

• Women's Final Four Most Outstanding Players from 1982 to present

March Madness

• 📆 2024 March Madness schedule
• ❓ How the field of 68 is picked
• 👀 Best performances in tournament history

The 13 highest-scoring individual performances in March Madness women's history

Women's basketball championship history

Schools with the most DI women's basketball national championships

Best performances in NCAA women's basketball tournament history

Di women's basketball news.

• Undefeated teams in DI college basketball
• South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Iowa Hawkeyes - Condensed Game
• South Carolina Gamecocks vs. Iowa Hawkeyes - Game Highlights
• Women's college basketball all-time DI scoring leaders
• The 10 undefeated women's basketball national champions
• WNBA stars Kelsey Plum and Jackie Young were MIC'D UP at the Women's Final Four
• Tracking 2024 March Madness women's records by conference
• 2024 NCAA women's basketball bracket: Printable tournament .PDF

Follow NCAA Women's Basketball