Stephen Jones’s ratings of South Africa and the Lions
THE Test that had tantalised us for years finally arrived, and brought with it almost everything. We saw epic power rugby, gorgeous rugby (most played by men in red), controversy, and amazing last-yard defending. We had an epic finale and at last, something to do rugby proud.
But the Lions would trade the whole lot in for the one thing this dramatic afternoon in Durban did not bring — a victory. They go to Pretoria next Saturday 1-0 down, in the certainty that while they can certainly improve, so can South Africa. But the Lions will arrive for the Vanishing Point Test with hope and courage.
The closing stages yesterday were a frantic agony, and no