Get a grip on the gamesmanship now demands ex-lion Taylor

SOUTH AFRICA’S blatant go-slow spoiling tactics against the British and Irish Lions must force rugby chiefs into taking urgent action to stop the game becoming a boring turn-off.

Formerwales and Lions forward John Taylor says he was “appalled” to see the recent series ruined by the Springboks being allowed to get away with blatant gamesmanship.

The ex-commentator also claimed there is an increasing need for squads to be reduced and to cut out tactical replacements.

After coachwarren Gatland (right) saw his

Lions side lose the series 2-1 in Southafrica,taylor is convinced things cannot carry on the way they are if the game is to flourish.

He said: “Gamesmanship in this series was taken to another degree and you now have to do something about it.

“It all played into South Africa’s hands because they rely heavily on dominating things with their very big forwards. So if you get plenty of breaks and rest, it is a huge benefit. But if you get hightempo, fast games, it would have suited the Lions better.

“I was appalled by what I saw. One of the simple things I believe is that by enabling all these replacements at any stage of the game, you have changed the shape of the sport.

“I am in favour of going back to the days when replacements were only for injuries.

“Now you get these giants on the bench, like the South Africa prop who is 20st 9lb and comes on for half an hour. So just as you think you have won your battle against your opposite number, you have a new monster to face!”