The British & Irish Lions three-Test series against South Africa has come to an end – how did former England captain Chris Robshaw and our rugby superfans fare in predicting the scores?
THE MIXER
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Simon Frederick at home, where he values light and texture in his classic decor
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It’s been a good series so far. I didn’t think the second Test was as entertaining as the first. But that’s what South African teams do, they pressure you and strangle you into making mistakes then pull away at the end.
From a Lions point of view, Mako Vunipola was superb. I think people forget how good he is, not only his ability to perform in the set piece, but his work in the loose is phenomenal.
For South Africa, the second row combinations they had were very impressive. Starting with Etzebeth and Mostert, with De Jager from the bench, they kept the Lions’ lineout under serious pressure and mitigated that threat.
SOUTH AFRICA 2021
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PRO v FAN
Our pro, ex-England captain Chris Robshaw, took on a different rugby superfan each week, attempting to predict the result of each Test in the series. Here’s how they fared.
PRO
CHRIS ROBSHAW
Former England captain
South Africa will miss Duane Vermeulen, he’s the best No 8 in world rugby, even if he hasn’t played for a while.
Inevitably there are changes in the Lions' side after last week due to some tired and exhausted bodies. But Williams, a player who has tremendous skill and ability, is never one to shy away from the confrontational side of the game. Exactly what the Lions will need to win
Key players
Final score
I think it’ll be another cagey, tactical game with pressure on both sides and broadly similar to how the first two Tests have been. 20-18 to the Lions.
It has been a great series so far – everything you want from Test rugby – physical with unrelenting pressure.
The Springboks regrouped quickly and showed the form in the second half on Saturday that made them world champs.
South Africa will miss Pieter-Steph du Toit this week and he will be hard to replace. Mostert on the blindside will counter the formidable Lions lineout. Kolisi really impressed this weekend, leading from the front. Conversely, I thought the Lions’ back row was very quiet.
For the Lions to win they will need their tight five to step it up a notch and get parity at a minimum.
The Lions have had to make big changes – playing with tempo while showing some attacking flair is their best chance of success.
FAN
Key players
Final score
TREVOR MORTON
owner of Westdene Butchers in Brighton
and originally from Durban, South Africa
Boks to take the series in a close-fought battle – 29-25 to South Africa.
in association with
Illustration by Daryl Rainbow / Studio Pi
THE THIRD TEST
An agonisingly close series decider saw The British & Irish Lions lose to South Africa after Morne Steyn’s late penalty sealed a 19-16 victory.
Ken Owens’s try gave the Lions a lead at half-time, but after Cheslin Kolbe eluded Liam Williams to score for the Springboks, it was all down to the goal-kickers.
Finn Russell, who came on for an injured Dan Biggar, landed a long-range kick to level the match at 13-13, but Steyn dealt the final blow with just two minutes left of the match.
The defeat means world champions South Africa take the series 2-1, an impressive turnaround after they lost the first Test.
Your reactions
results
results
Test 1
19 - 24
FINAL SCORE
17 - 22
Chris predicted
17 - 22
5 POINTS
fan predicted
3 POINTS
final scores
South Africa
The British & Irish Lions
Chris predicted
0 POINTS
fan predicted
0 POINTS
FINAL SCORE
27 - 9
South Africa
The British & Irish Lions
Test 2
22 - 25
15 - 30
5 - 6
Chris Robshaw
Fans
FINAL SCORE
19 - 16
South Africa
The British & Irish Lions
Test 3
Chris predicted
0 POINTS
18 - 20
fan predicted
3 POINTS
29 - 25
in association with
As The British & Irish Lions prepare for the the third and final Test against South Africa, former England captain Chris Robshaw
and a Springboks superfan weigh
in with predictions
PROMOTED CONTENT
Illustration by Daryl Rainbow / Studio Pi
SOUTH AFRICA 2021
THE MIXER
SHARE
THE SECOND TEST
Your reactions
PRO v FAN
Chris predicted
5 POINTS
Chris predicted
5 POINTS
FAN PREDICTED
3 POINTS
FINAL SCORE
17 - 22
South Africa
The British & Irish Lions
Test 2
Chris predicted
5 POINTS
FAN PREDICTED
3 POINTS
FINAL SCORE
17 - 22
South Africa
The British & Irish Lions
Test 3
19 - 24
final scores
27 - 9
South Africa
The British & Irish Lions
in association with