Lions touch down in South Africa
Brad Morgan
27 May 2009
The British and Irish Lions quietly arrived in South Africa on Monday, but the volume is sure to be ratcheted up pretty smartly as the tourists meet the Springboks in a series for the first time in 12 years.
In 1997 the Lions scored a 2-1 series victory over the Springboks, and although that happened over a decade ago, the Lions have turned to the man who masterminded their victory then to do it again: Ian McGeechan.
While that series victory was a glorious moment in Lions' history, their most recent memories are of a disastrous tour of New Zealand in 2005, when they lost the three tests 21-3, 48-18, and 38-19.
The tourists want to atone for that disappointing tour, especially those players in South Africa now who played in New Zealand under Clive Woodward. They include Brian O'Driscoll, Shane Williams, Gethin Jenkins, Phil Vickery, Donncha O'Callaghan, Brian O'Driscoll, Ronan O'Gara, Andrew Sheridan, Martyn Williams, and Stephen Jones.
Similar to Martin Johnson
McGeechan's choice as Lions' skipper, Paul O'Connell, - a man who was also a member of the 2005 team - exhibits many similarities to Martin Johnson, who captained the 1997 side under McGeechan.
The man from Munster is a big and physical lock. He is the kind of no-nonsense hard man seen as necessary to take on the Springboks, much like Johnson was.
Addressing a media conference on arrival at OR Tambo International Airport, O'Connell said: "I think there's a lot of good friendships being made, a lot of characters emerging already, and that's going to be a big thing for us.
"I said a week ago that the talent is there in the group, the coaching is there in the group and now it's up to us to perform as a team."'Rugby is number one'
McGeechan commented: "South Africa is such a tough place to tour because rugby is number one."
He's expecting a tougher tour than 1997 and has gone to great lengths to ensure the best possible preparation for the tour of the Rainbow Nation. When the Boks toured the northern hemisphere at the end of 2008, he was at every venue to watch them in action. His preparations appear to have been meticulous.
It has been clear in the build-up to the tour that the Springboks regard facing the Lions as second only to competing for the World Cup. After all, it's an opportunity that happens only every 12 years. It is thought that some Boks have held off moving overseas with big money contracts so that they can face the Lions.
Massive financial boost
Interest in the series is massive. Despite high ticket prices, especially for locals, that have been severely criticised in some quarters, the three tests sold out very quickly. Fifty-thousand international supporters are expected to follow the tour, and that means a massive financial boost for South Africa.
It's expected that the tour will bring at least R1-billion into the country's economy.
Speaking of big money, and underlining the status of a Lions' tour, South African Breweries' sponsorship of R25-million is the biggest in the history of Springbok rugby.
South Africa has already hosted the DLF Indian Premier League this year. The ICC Champions Trophy and the Fifa Confederations Cup are still to come, but many expect the Lions' tour to be the biggest sports event of 2009. With South Africa heading into the series as World Cup winners, it's not an unreasonable expectation.
Opening match
The Lions' first outing, against a Bafokeng Royal XV – consisting of players from Griquas, the Griffons, the Pumas, the Falcons and the Leopards rugby - in Rustenburg, should, however, be a low-key affair. That is because it takes place on 30 May, the day on which the Bulls will host the Chiefs in the Super 14 final.
Once the Super 14 is over the focus of not only South African rugby fans, but those of fans worldwide, will sharpen on the showdown between the reigning world champions and the best that England, Wales, Ireland, and Scotland can muster.
It's another treat in a year of spectacular events for sports fans in South Africa.
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