Lions won’t be going to extra time

Boks series to be shared if it ends in stalemate

THE Lions series in South Africa could end in a stalemate, just like the anti-climactic New Zealand tour four years ago, with no extra-time decider built in.

Sportsmail can reveal that if the Lions and Springboks end the three-match series level, they will share the trophy — as the tourists did with the All Blacks in 2017.

Four years ago, New Zealand beat the Lions 30-15 in the first Test at Eden Park, then the Lions won the second Test in Wellington 24-21, before the dramatic 15-15 draw back in Auckland.

The players were unsure if there would be a series-deciding suddendeath period, extra time or penalty shootout, and after the series was shared the tourists and fans called for a decider to avoid another draw.

But it is understood the move has been resisted for the South Africa trip, raising the possibility that the Lions series could end in a dampsquib draw again. The Lions last lost a Test series in 2009 when in South Africa, an agonising 2-1 loss, before the 2-1 win over Australia in 2013.

Meanwhile, there is still a faint hope that players’ families will be able to attend the Lions matches.

If South Africa’s Covid protocols allow local fans in large numbers, it may be possible that parents, partners and families of the 37 players could travel — if the Lions can secure tickets and all the visitors comply with quarantine measures.

Currently, South Africa is on the UK’s red list due to its Covid variant, meaning any Lions fan would have to quarantine on their return.

l EDDIE JONES will spend two days coaching rugby league side Hull FC, as part of a reciprocal agreement with their Australian coach Brett Hodgson. It comes just two weeks after the England coach was criticised for spending time with Japanese club Suntory Sungoliath.