Gibbs makes his mark and Lions take series

Brendan Gallagher delves into some of rugby’s most enduring images, their story and why they are still so impactful

What’s happening here?

It’s the evening of June 21 1997 at Newlands Cape Town and the first Test of a three-match series between South Africa and the British Lions is getting underway. Wales centre Scott Gibbs – only recently returned from a spell in Rugby League with St Helen’s – is hitting powerful Springboks wing Andre Snyman with an absolute pile driver of a tackle that shook him and the Boks to the core.

Before the game South Africa, the reigning world champions, were strong favourites although everybody acknowledged this Lions side might fiercely contest the issue. What the Lions needed was a couple of dominant tackles and collisions to make a statement and raise the adrenaline levels. Tim Rodber obliged with a couple of crunching hits which seemed to elude the snappers and then Gibbs produced this gem, brilliantly captured by Alex Livesey. The travelling contingent of Lions supporters went wild, it was truly game on.

Nobody can beat South Africa in their own backyard unless you match them physically. Here Gibbs in not just matching Snyman, he is absolutely destroying his opponent.

What’s the story behind the picture?

The 1997 Lions were managed and coached by two men – Fran Cotton and Ian McGeechan – who knew exactly how to beat South Africa down there having been members of the 1974 tour party. Assistant coach Jim Telfer had tasted defeat there in 1968 and was thirsting for revenge.

Their first decision was to appoint the most intimidating player in Britain and Ireland – Martin Johnson – as captain and bear in mind that Johnno wasn’t even the England captain at this stage. That sent out a strong message.

Then at the very dawn of professionalism the Lions insisted on selecting a hard core of five players who had recently returned from the unforgiving world of Rugby League – Gibbs, Scott Quinnell, Alan Bateman, John Bentley and Alan Tait. It was an inspired call.

Their decision caused a bit of a stir. Rugby Union only went Open in August 1995 and in Britain, after a 12 month moratorium, professional leagues didn’t emerge until September 1996, ie the start of the season that ended with the Lions visiting South Africa. Among some there was still animosity against League and the returning quintet of former Union internationals who were perceived as having their cake and eating it.

Cotton and his coaches disagreed. They wanted that hardnosed professional approach they would bring, that dedication to training and fitness, the physicality that was a way of life up ‘North’. They would bring an edginess the Lions badly needed.

What happened next?

Cotton and his coaches were completely vindicated. The 1997 tour, socially, was probably the last great Lions tour – a fantastic time was had by all – but under the hot Durban sun for nine days before their opening game the League boys set a ferocious pace in training.

No short cuts, no faffing about. They flogged themselves because that’s what a ‘professional’ did and even the most reluctant trainer caught the vibe. Suddenly there were no sick notes – dodgy hamstrings, groin tickles etc – from the normal suspects. All were present and correct. The Lions didn’t drop that intensity in matches or the training paddock until the very final week when the series was won.

The League returnees were on fire. Scott Quinnell looked like a Test starter until he got injured, Alan Bateman was all class. Scott Gibbs took no prisoners and even copped a harsh one-match ban after what was adjudged to be a flying forearm tackle against the Blue Bulls and, after that defeat against Northern Transvaal, John Bentley breathed life back into the tour with his wonder try against Guateng.

But then came the first Test. Who would produce that one massive inspiring play. Step forward Scottie Gibbs, a talented jazz drummer when in the mood, whose sense of timing on this occasion was impeccable.

Why is the picture iconic?

Well have you ever seen a more perfect, legal, big hit in a match that mattered? Straight out of the textbook. Gibbs is hitting Snyman with scary ferocity, but he is totally under control. Yes, he is lifting Snyman’s legs in the air but he is not remotely intending to tip him or drop him illegally.

Gibbs is hanging on to those legs tight, driving forward rather than up at real pace and will eventually, legally, dump him on his back. Snyman – a considerable unit and a muscle-packed gym bunny – is being reduced to a rag doll.

Gibbs is poised, solid immovable and totally committed. At the moment of impact he almost involuntarily closes his eyes with effort. My memory from watching the game live is that a fraction of a second later came an audible tennis like grunt such as when a champion goes for a massive serve.

Jeremy Davidson and Lawrence Dallaglio are poised to rake through the wreckage and ensure the ball comes back on the Lions side. Game set and match to the Lions.

And, finally, I love that the referee Colin Hawke is quietly glancing around the corner, a mere onlooker. The Lions themselves are going to police this incident from start to finish. No assistance required.

Footnote: Two tries in the last ten minutes saw the Lions home 25-16 to put the Boks under huge pressure going into the second Test. There in Durban they outscored the Lions three tries to nil but Neil Jenkins kicked five penalties and Jerry Guscott kicked a dropped goal for the Lions to win 18-17 and clinch the series.