Soldiering on the only way through Covid-hit series

THIS Lions tour is having its fair share of Covid chaos but there’s no way it should be called off now.

As for Austin Healey’s suggestion that all three Tests should be moved to the UK and Ireland, that’s a non-starter.

Warren Gatland’s men have soldiered on so far in South Africa in this most surreal of series without fans — and they have to see it through until the end.

There have been plenty of voices claiming the tour should have been postponed for a year but that would have been unfair on the players who have fought hard to get here.

Form can be a temporary thing and, on top of injuries, the same guys who are doing well now may not be in favour next year.

This is the highlight of their careers. The Lions have to remain as a touring team.

True, playing Cell C Sharks twice in four days wasn’t in the script, but neither was the pandemic when the Lions first announced they were due to tour South Africa in 2021.

The Lions committee — which includes Gavin Hastings and is chaired by former England international Jason Leonard — deserve credit for having the guts to go ahead despite criticism of their decision.

The South Africans are only on the Lions rota once every 12 years and they deserve the chance to host them even in such unfortunate circumstances.

We’re hearing there are more than 20 positive cases in the Springboks camp — including captain Siya Kolisi — while the Lions are now in Cape Town minus five members who have stayed in Johannesburg because of the virus.

The tourists may be stuck in their hotel instead of enjoying the sights or even going on safari like the 1997 series-winning Lions.

However, a victory this time around will be all the sweeter after the obstacles that have been put in their way.