HARD HITTING VIEW

The Springboks took their revenge against the British and Irish Lions in an ill-tempered, fractious match as they defeated the Lions by 27-9, scoring two tries in the process.

It sets up the series beautifully for the deciding test in six days.

South Africa changed their bench, choosing two backs and six forwards so that they could replace most of their pack who had tired in the test match a week before.

It was a gamble that paid off massively as the Springboks dominated every facet of play for the second half, scoring two tries in the process.

This week it was the Lions who conceded penalty after penalty, their discipline deserting them.

The game itself was over-shadowed by the war of words that took place in the run-up to the match.

Rassie Erasmus, the South African director of rugby, was accused of having a dummy account on social media, which he used to comment on the referee of the first test.

He then broadcast an hour-long video during which he again lambasted the officials for not treating the two sides equally.

The video was the most entertaining thing about the game for most of the afternoon as it was a tense, turgid affair

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Springbok confidence will be sky high now

with neither side wanting to take too many risks.

It wasn’t a game for the faint-hearted as the commitment in the contact area was full-on from both teams in both attack and defence. There will be some sore bodies in the morning.

The first half lasted over an hour as the officials were eager to get things right and the edginess that both sides displayed often boiled over as tempers frayed.

Gregor Townsend must be wondering why he was asked to join the coaching team, as there wasn’t much attacking from the Lions.

As in the first test, there was an abundance of kicking, both from the base of the ruck and maul and from Dan Biggar at fly-half.

The Springboks adopted the same tactics, although their kicking was slightly more accurate and threatening. As a spectacle, it left quite a bit to be desired.

Warren Gatland now has to re-group and think about how he is going to break down such a physical defence.

Playing the hosts at their own game worked in the first test, largely because they were lacking match practice and weren’t in great condition.

Springbok confidence will be sky high now because of the manner in which they dominated the Lions – and that could well give them an edge in the deciding test next weekend.

To win the series, Gatland will have to make changes and will have to rethink his tactics. It looks a lot harder hill to climb than it did this time last weekend.