It's been a surreal and demoralising week to be a rugby supporter. A Lions Tour which probably shouldn't have gone ahead has been dragged into the mire by endless social media chirping about refereeing by Rassie Erasmus and the South African team.
Whatever your thoughts on Nic Berry's performance with the whistle last Saturday, the discourse about his performance across the week has done the sport no favours at all. Kiwi referee Ben O'Keeffe faces an almost impossible task today, as he and his team will be under immense scrutiny from both teams. Given all the talk about respect by rugby players commentators, it's been shocking to see the Springboks camp be so publically critical.
Amid all the teeth-gnashing, retired ref and Sky Sports Lions pundit offered a sound sentiment on Twitter today that we hope both camps bear in mind.
Even with all the pressures of test match rugby. We must not forget to enjoy the occasion & appreciate how much of a privilege and honour it is to be part of it. Please remember rugby’s core value of respect, we all have a part to play in upholding it. Good luck all involved 🏉 pic.twitter.com/1Y4iXAJYrz
— Nigel Owens MBE (@Nigelrefowens) July 31, 2021
He tweeted: "Even with all the pressures of test match rugby. We must not forget to enjoy the occasion & appreciate how much of a privilege and honour it is to be part of it. Please remember rugby’s core value of respect, we all have a part to play in upholding it. Good luck all involved"
As for the game itself, prepare for a dogged, brutal slog of a match. South Africa simply cannot lose and will throw the proverbial kitchen sink at this. Ladbrokes have this match as essentially a toss-up with the Lions 11/10 underdogs and the Springboks 10/11 to win.
If you're looking for the keys to victory, Brett Igoe analysed the first Test for us with his Breakdown video.
Enough about the referees, here's where tomorrow's second Lions Test will be won.
It's The Breakdown from @brettruganalyst pic.twitter.com/Nfr1mXDczZ— Balls.ie (@ballsdotie) July 30, 2021
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