2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa

Last updated

2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa
Coach(es) Flag of New Zealand.svg Warren Gatland
Tour captain(s) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Alun Wyn Jones
IRFU flag.svg Conor Murray (temporary) [lower-alpha 1]
Top point scorer(s) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Dan Biggar (47)
Top try scorer(s) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Josh Adams (8)
Summary
PWDL
Total
09060003
Test match
03010002
Opponent
PWDL
Flag of South Africa.svg  South Africa
3 1 0 2
Tour chronology
Previous tour New Zealand 2017
Next tour Australia 2025

The 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa was an international rugby union tour that took place in South Africa in July and August 2021. The British & Irish Lions, a team selected from players eligible to represent England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales, played a three-match test series against South Africa, and tour matches against three of South Africa's four United Rugby Championship teams and South Africa A.

Contents

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted the tour, leading to numerous schedule changes and the matches in South Africa taking place without fans present. Before leaving for South Africa, the Lions beat Japan in a warm-up match at Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh. They won all of their matches against the South African franchises, but lost to South Africa A.

South Africa won the test series by two matches to one. The Lions won the first test 22–17 on 24 July, but South Africa won the second test 27–9 a week later before winning the third test 19–16 with a late penalty on 7 August.

Warren Gatland was the Lions' head coach, making him only the second coach to lead the team on three consecutive tours. [lower-alpha 2] Alun Wyn Jones of Wales was the Lions' tour captain, but was injured in the home match against Japan on 26 June; he initially withdrew from the squad before returning three weeks later. Ireland's Conor Murray took over as captain during Jones' absence.

Schedule

The eight-match schedule was announced on 4 December 2019, [1] and confirmed on 14 May 2021. The Lions also scheduled a home match against Japan for 26 June, the first time the teams had met, and the first game to be hosted by the Lions since they played Argentina at the Millennium Stadium in 2005. [2] Unlike recent tours, when the Lions played seven games against non-national teams, in 2021 there are only five. [3] [4]

Due to the uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reported in early 2021 that the tour could be held in Britain and Ireland instead of South Africa, postponed to 2022 or cancelled altogether. [5] With the Lions traditionally being a touring side, thousands of fans signed a petition to put pressure on the Lions board to keep the tour in South Africa and postpone until 2022. In January 2021, Rugby Australia offered to host the tournament in Australia if it could not be held in South Africa, [6] but this was rejected. [7] In March 2021, it was confirmed that the tour would go ahead as planned. [8]

Originally, the eight matches were to be played in the home stadiums of the Lions' opponents. Due to COVID, the schedule was changed so that all eight matches would be played in only four venues, all in Gauteng or Cape Town, to reduce the teams' travel requirements. [9] A match against an SA Invitational team was replaced by one against the South African Lions franchise to reduce the risks associated with drawing a squad from around the country. [10] The match against the Bulls was cancelled due to several positive COVID tests in the Bulls' camp, and a second match against the Sharks was added instead. [11] [12] On 20 July, it was announced that the second and third tests would be moved from Johannesburg to Cape Town. [13]

DateHome teamScoreAway teamVenueDetails
26 JuneBritish & Irish Lions28–10 Japan Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh Match details
3 July Lions 14–56British & Irish Lions Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg Match details
7 July Sharks 7–54British & Irish Lions Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg Match details
10 July Sharks 31–71British & Irish Lions Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria Match details
14 July South Africa A 17–13British & Irish Lions Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Match details
17 July Stormers 3–49British & Irish Lions Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Match details
24 July South Africa 17–22British & Irish Lions Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Match details
31 July South Africa 27–9British & Irish Lions Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Match details
7 August South Africa 19–16British & Irish Lions Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town Match details

Squads

Lions

Lions chairman Jason Leonard announced an initial squad of 37 on 6 May 2021, made up of 11 players from England, 10 from Wales, 8 from Ireland and 8 from Scotland. [14]

Prop Andrew Porter withdrew from the squad on 5 June because of a toe injury; he was replaced by Kyle Sinckler. [15]

Rónan Kelleher joined the pre-tour training camp in Jersey to cover for hookers Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie, who had club commitments. Kelleher was not added to the touring squad at the time, [16] [17] but was called up to the squad on 14 July. [18]

On 26 June, tour captain Alun Wyn Jones and Justin Tipuric withdrew from the tour after being injured against Japan; Adam Beard and Josh Navidi were called up as their replacements. [19] On 14 July, Jones returned to the squad, having overcome his shoulder injury. [20]

On 10 July, Marcus Smith was called up as Finn Russell was injured, with Russell remaining on the tour. [21]

Notes: Ages listed are as of the first tour match on 26 June. Player positions are per the Lions' website. [22] Bold denotes that the player was selected for a previous Lions squad. Italic denotes a player that withdrew from the squad following selection.

PlayerPositionDate of birth (age)National teamClub/­provinceNational caps
(Lions caps)
Notes
Luke Cowan-Dickie Hooker 20 June 1993 (aged 28) Flag of England.svg England Exeter Chiefs 31
Jamie George Hooker 20 October 1990 (aged 30) Flag of England.svg England Saracens 59 (3)
Rónan Kelleher Hooker 24 January 1998 (aged 23) IRFU flag.svg Ireland Leinster 11Called up as additional cover
Ken Owens Hooker 3 January 1987 (aged 34) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Scarlets 82 (2)
Zander Fagerson Prop 19 January 1996 (aged 25) Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland Glasgow Warriors 38
Tadhg Furlong Prop 14 November 1992 (aged 28) IRFU flag.svg Ireland Leinster 49 (3)
Wyn Jones Prop 26 February 1992 (aged 29) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Scarlets 35
Andrew Porter Prop 16 January 1996 (aged 25) IRFU flag.svg Ireland Leinster 37Withdrew due to injury sustained before tour
Kyle Sinckler Prop 30 March 1993 (aged 28) Flag of England.svg England Bristol Bears 47 (3)Replaced Andrew Porter
Rory Sutherland Prop 24 August 1992 (aged 28) Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland Edinburgh 16
Mako Vunipola Prop 14 January 1991 (aged 30) Flag of England.svg England Saracens 67 (6)
Adam Beard Second row 7 January 1996 (aged 25) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Ospreys 25Replaced Alun Wyn Jones
Tadhg Beirne Second row 8 January 1992 (aged 29) IRFU flag.svg Ireland Munster 22
Iain Henderson Second row 21 February 1992 (aged 29) IRFU flag.svg Ireland Ulster 63
Jonny Hill Second row 8 June 1994 (aged 27) Flag of England.svg England Exeter Chiefs 9
Maro Itoje Second row 28 October 1994 (aged 26) Flag of England.svg England Saracens 48 (3)
Alun Wyn Jones (c) Second row 19 September 1985 (aged 35) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Ospreys 148 (9)Missed three weeks of the tour due to injury
Courtney Lawes Second row 23 February 1989 (aged 32) Flag of England.svg England Northampton Saints 87 (2)
Jack Conan Back row 29 July 1992 (aged 28) IRFU flag.svg Ireland Leinster 20
Tom Curry Back row 15 June 1998 (aged 23) Flag of England.svg England Sale Sharks 33
Taulupe Faletau Back row 12 November 1990 (aged 30) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Bath 86 (4)
Josh Navidi Back row 30 December 1990 (aged 30) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Cardiff Blues 28Replaced Justin Tipuric
Sam Simmonds Back row 10 November 1994 (aged 26) Flag of England.svg England Exeter Chiefs 7
Justin Tipuric Back row 6 August 1989 (aged 31) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Ospreys 85 (1)Withdrew due to injury sustained during tour
Hamish Watson Back row 15 October 1991 (aged 29) Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland Edinburgh 41
Gareth Davies Scrum-half 18 August 1990 (aged 30) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Scarlets 62
Conor Murray (c) Scrum-half 20 April 1989 (aged 32) IRFU flag.svg Ireland Munster 89 (5)Replaced Alun Wyn Jones as tour captain [23]
Ali Price Scrum-half 12 May 1993 (aged 28) Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland Glasgow Warriors 42
Dan Biggar Fly-half 16 October 1989 (aged 31) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Northampton Saints 92
Owen Farrell Fly-half 24 September 1991 (aged 29) Flag of England.svg England Saracens 93 (4)
Finn Russell Fly-half 23 September 1992 (aged 28) Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland Racing 92 55
Marcus Smith Fly-half 14 February 1999 (aged 22) Flag of England.svg England Harlequins 2Called up as injury cover for Finn Russell
Bundee Aki Centre 7 April 1990 (aged 31) IRFU flag.svg Ireland Connacht 31
Elliot Daly Centre 8 October 1992 (aged 28) Flag of England.svg England Saracens 52 (3)
Chris Harris Centre 28 December 1990 (aged 30) Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland Gloucester 28
Robbie Henshaw Centre 12 June 1993 (aged 28) IRFU flag.svg Ireland Leinster 52
Josh Adams Wing 21 April 1995 (aged 26) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Cardiff Blues 32
Louis Rees-Zammit Wing 2 February 2001 (aged 20) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Gloucester 9
Duhan van der Merwe Wing 4 June 1995 (aged 26) Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland Edinburgh 10
Anthony Watson Wing 26 February 1994 (aged 27) Flag of England.svg England Bath 51 (3)
Stuart Hogg Full back 24 June 1992 (aged 29) Flag of Scotland.svg Scotland Exeter Chiefs 85
Liam Williams Full back 9 April 1991 (aged 30) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wales Scarlets 71 (3)

Management and staff

Reported candidates to coach the 2021 Lions included Warren Gatland, Eddie Jones, Gregor Townsend, Joe Schmidt, Dai Young and Mark McCall. [24] Gatland was announced as the head coach on 12 June 2019. [25]

On 13 April 2021, Gatland announced his coaching team, including Scotland head coach Gregor Townsend as attack coach, Scotland defence coach Steve Tandy, Leinster forwards coach Robin McBryde and Wales kicking coach Neil Jenkins. This was the sixth tour for Jenkins (two as a player, four as a coach), for Townsend, Tandy and McBryde this is their first Lions tour as coaches. [26]

RoleName
Management
Chief executiveSteve Brown
Managing directorBen Calveley
Chairman/Team manager Jason Leonard
Coaches
RoleNameUnion/Club
Head coach Flag of New Zealand.svg Warren Gatland Flag of New Zealand.svg Chiefs
Assistant coach (attack) Flag of Scotland.svg Gregor Townsend Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland
Assistant coach (forwards) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Robin McBryde IRFU flag.svg Leinster
Assistant coach (defence) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Steve Tandy Flag of Scotland.svg  Scotland
Assistant coach (kicking) Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Neil Jenkins Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Performance staff
Head of medicalPrabhat MathemaFlag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
DoctorDr Geoff DaviesFlag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
DoctorDr Ciaran CosgroveIRFU flag.svg  Ireland
PhysiotherapistBob StewartFlag of England.svg  England
PhysiotherapistJohn MilesFlag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Soft tissue therapistAnn-Marie BirminghamFlag of England.svg  England
Soft tissue therapistHanlie FoucheFlag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Head of strength & conditioningPaul StridgeonFlag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Strength & conditioning coach Jon Clarke Flag of England.svg  England
Strength & conditioning coach Huw Bennett Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
Sports scientistBrian CunniffeEnglish Institute of Sport
Head of analysisRhodri BownFlag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
AnalystVinny HammondIRFU flag.svg  Ireland
AnalystMarc KinnairdFlag of Wales (1959-present).svg  Wales
AnalystGavin VaughanFlag of Scotland.svg  Scotland

South Africa

On 5 June, South Africa named a 46-man squad for their two-test series against Georgia and the three tests against the British & Irish Lions. [27]

On 10 July, Lizo Gqoboka and Fez Mbatha were added to the squad as COVID-19 cover. [28]

Coaching team: [29]

Note: Ages, caps and clubs as of first test match on 24 July 2021.

Player Position Date of birth (age)CapsClub/province
Joseph Dweba Hooker (1995-10-25)25 October 1995 (aged 25)0 Flag of France.svg Bordeaux Bègles
Malcolm Marx Hooker (1994-07-13)13 July 1994 (aged 27)34 Flag of Japan.svg Kubota Spears
Fez Mbatha Hooker (1999-08-02)2 August 1999 (aged 21)0 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks
Bongi Mbonambi Hooker (1991-01-07)7 January 1991 (aged 30)37 Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers
Scarra Ntubeni Hooker (1991-02-18)18 February 1991 (aged 30)1 Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers
Thomas du Toit Prop (1995-05-05)5 May 1995 (aged 26)12 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks
Lizo Gqoboka Prop (1990-03-24)24 March 1990 (aged 31)2 Flag of South Africa.svg Bulls
Steven Kitshoff Prop (1992-02-10)10 February 1992 (aged 29)48 Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers
Vincent Koch Prop (1990-03-13)13 March 1990 (aged 31)21 Flag of England.svg Saracens
Frans Malherbe Prop (1991-03-14)14 March 1991 (aged 30)39 Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers
Ox Nché Prop (1995-07-23)23 July 1995 (aged 26)2 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks
Trevor Nyakane Prop (1989-05-04)4 May 1989 (aged 32)43 Flag of South Africa.svg Bulls
Coenie Oosthuizen Prop (1989-03-22)22 March 1989 (aged 32)30 Flag of England.svg Sale Sharks
Lood de Jager Lock (1992-12-17)17 December 1992 (aged 28)45 Flag of England.svg Sale Sharks
Eben Etzebeth Lock (1991-10-29)29 October 1991 (aged 29)86 Flag of France.svg Toulon
Nico Janse van Rensburg Lock (1994-05-06)6 May 1994 (aged 27)0 Flag of France.svg Montpellier
Franco Mostert Lock (1990-11-27)27 November 1990 (aged 30)40 Flag of Japan.svg Honda Heat
Marvin Orie Lock (1993-06-02)2 June 1993 (aged 27)4 Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers
RG Snyman Lock (1995-01-29)29 January 1995 (aged 26)23 IRFU flag.svg Munster
Dan du Preez Loose forward (1995-08-05)5 August 1995 (aged 26)4 Flag of England.svg Sale Sharks
Jean-Luc du Preez Loose forward (1995-08-05)5 August 1995 (aged 25)13 Flag of England.svg Sale Sharks
Pieter-Steph du Toit Loose forward (1992-08-20)20 August 1992 (aged 28)56 Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers
Rynhardt Elstadt Loose forward (1989-12-20)20 December 1989 (aged 31)2 Flag of France.svg Toulouse
Siya Kolisi (c) Loose forward (1991-06-16)16 June 1991 (aged 30)51 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks
Kwagga Smith Loose forward (1996-06-11)11 June 1996 (aged 25)7 Flag of Japan.svg Yamaha Júbilo
Marco van Staden Loose forward (1995-08-25)25 August 1995 (aged 25)3 Flag of South Africa.svg Bulls
Duane Vermeulen Loose forward (1986-07-03)3 July 1986 (aged 35)54 Flag of South Africa.svg Bulls
Jasper Wiese Loose forward (1995-10-21)21 October 1995 (aged 25)1 Flag of England.svg Leicester Tigers
Faf de Klerk Scrum-half (1991-10-19)19 October 1991 (aged 29)30 Flag of England.svg Sale Sharks
Herschel Jantjies Scrum-half (1996-04-22)22 April 1996 (aged 25)11 Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers
Sanele Nohamba Scrum-half (1999-01-19)19 January 1999 (aged 22)0 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks
Cobus Reinach Scrum-half (1990-02-07)7 February 1990 (aged 31)15 Flag of France.svg Montpellier
Elton Jantjies Fly-half (1990-08-01)1 August 1990 (aged 30)38 Flag of France.svg Pau
Handré Pollard Fly-half (1994-03-11)11 March 1994 (aged 27)49 Flag of France.svg Montpellier
Morné Steyn Fly-half (1984-07-11)11 July 1984 (aged 37)66 Flag of South Africa.svg Bulls
Lukhanyo Am Centre (1993-11-28)28 November 1993 (aged 27)15 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks
Damian de Allende Centre (1991-11-25)25 November 1991 (aged 29)47 IRFU flag.svg Munster
Jesse Kriel Centre (1994-02-15)15 February 1994 (aged 27)47 Flag of Japan.svg Canon Eagles
Wandisile Simelane Centre (1998-03-21)21 March 1998 (aged 23)0 Flag of South Africa.svg Lions
François Steyn Centre (1987-05-14)14 May 1987 (aged 34)68 Flag of South Africa.svg Cheetahs
Cheslin Kolbe Wing (1993-10-28)28 October 1993 (aged 27)14 Flag of France.svg Toulouse
Makazole Mapimpi Wing (1990-07-26)26 July 1990 (aged 30)14 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks
Sbu Nkosi Wing (1996-01-21)21 January 1996 (aged 25)11 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks
Yaw Penxe Wing (1997-04-03)3 April 1997 (aged 24)0 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks
Rosko Specman Wing (1989-04-28)28 April 1989 (aged 32)1 Flag of South Africa.svg Cheetahs
Aphelele Fassi Fullback (1998-01-23)23 January 1998 (aged 23)1 Flag of South Africa.svg Sharks
Willie le Roux Fullback (1989-08-18)18 August 1989 (aged 31)62 Flag of Japan.svg Toyota Verblitz
Damian Willemse Fullback (1998-05-07)7 May 1998 (aged 23)7 Flag of South Africa.svg Stormers

Matches

British & Irish Lions v Japan

The Lions began their 2021 tour with their first ever match in Scotland. Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones was substituted in the 7th minute after suffering a dislocated shoulder that seemed to rule him out of the tour. The Lions went 21–0 up in the first 23 minutes, through tries from Josh Adams, Duhan van der Merwe and Robbie Henshaw, all converted by Dan Biggar, but also lost flanker Justin Tipuric to a shoulder injury in the 21st minute. Tadhg Beirne added a fourth try after half-time, again converted by Biggar to make it 28–0. Japan responded with a try by Kazuki Himeno after 58 minutes, converted by Yu Tamura, who also kicked a penalty with 12 minutes to go to make the final score 28–10. [30] The British & Irish Lions Board determined that this fixture was not a Lions Test match, but classed it as an international fixture. [31] Despite not being classed as Test match, every Lion received an international cap and each debutant awarded a Lions number. [31]

26 June 2021
15:00 BST (UTC+01)
British & Irish Lions 28–10Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
Try: Adams 11' c
Van der Merwe 17' c
Henshaw 22' c
Beirne 48' c
Con: Biggar (4/4) 13', 18', 23', 48'
Report Try: Himeno 58' c
Con: Tamura (1/1) 60'
Pen: Tamura (1/2) 68'
Murrayfield Stadium, Edinburgh
Attendance: 16,500
Referee: Pascal Gaüzère (France)

Lions v British & Irish Lions

3 July 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
Lions 14–56 British & Irish Lions
Try: V. Tshituka 34' c
Maxwane 43' c
Con: Hendrikse (2/2) 35', 44'
Report Try: Rees-Zammit 3' c
H. Watson 6' c
Price 32' c
Adams (4) 41' c, 53' c, 67' c, 71' c
Davies 65' c
Con: Farrell (8/8) 4', 7', 33', 41', 55', 66', 68', 72'
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Attendance: 0
Referee: AJ Jacobs (South Africa)

Sharks v British & Irish Lions

7 July 2021
20:00 SAST (UTC+02)
Sharks 7–54 British & Irish Lions
Try: Venter 50' c
Con: Bosch (1/1) 50'
Report Try: Adams (3) 2' c, 56' c, 77' c
Van der Merwe (3) 6' c, 25' m, 73' c
Aki 38' c
Rees-Zammit 60' c
Con: Farrell (3/4) 3', 6', 40'
Russell (4/4) 57', 61', 74', 79'
Ellis Park Stadium, Johannesburg
Attendance: 0
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Sharks v British & Irish Lions

10 July 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
Sharks 31–71 British & Irish Lions
Try: Volmink (2) 10' c, 35' c
Abrahams 14' m
Hendrikse 23' c
Kok 52' m
Con: Cronjé (3/5) 11', 24', 36'
Report Try: Harris 4' c
George (2) 20' m, 54' c
Van der Merwe 25' c
Beirne (2) 38' c, 63' c
Conan 47' m
Daly 50' c
A. Watson (2) 58' c, 79' m
Curry 66' c
Con: Biggar (8/10) 5', 26', 39', 51', 55', 58', 64', 66'
Loftus Versfeld Stadium, Pretoria
Attendance: 0
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

South Africa A v British & Irish Lions

14 July 2021
20:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa A  Flag of South Africa.svg17–13 British & Irish Lions
Try: Nkosi 12' c
Am 31' c
Con: Steyn (2/2) 13', 33'
Pen: Steyn (1/2) 5'
Report Try: Jones 43' c
Con: Farrell (1/1) 44'
Pen: Farrell (2/2) 27', 50'
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Attendance: 0
Referee: Jaco Peyper (South Africa)

Stormers v British & Irish Lions

17 July 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
Stormers 3–49 British & Irish Lions
Pen: Swiel (1/1) 19' Report Try: Beard 27' c
Cowan-Dickie 33' c
Hill 40' c
Conan 49' c
Fagerson 67' c
Rees-Zammit 73' c
Simmonds 77' c
Con: Smith (7/7) 28', 34', 40', 50', 68', 75', 78'
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Attendance: 0
Referee: Wayne Barnes (England)

South Africa v British & Irish Lions (first test)

24 July 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg17–22 British & Irish Lions
Try: De Klerk 49' m
Pen: Pollard (4/5) 13', 17', 26', 30'
Report Try: Cowan-Dickie 43' c
Con: Biggar (1/1) 44'
Pen: Biggar (4/5) 19', 52', 55', 62'
Farrell (1/1) 78'
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Attendance: 0
Referee: Nic Berry (Australia)
FB15 Willie le Roux Sub off.svg 66'
RW14 Cheslin Kolbe
OC13 Lukhanyo Am
IC12 Damian de Allende
LW11 Makazole Mapimpi
FH10 Handré Pollard Sub off.svg 70'
SH9 Faf de Klerk Sub off.svg 73'
N88 Kwagga Smith Sub off.svg 63'
BF7 Pieter-Steph du Toit
OF6 Siya Kolisi (c)
RL5 Franco Mostert Sub off.svg 62'
LL4 Eben Etzebeth
TP3 Trevor Nyakane Sub off.svg 40'
HK2 Bongi Mbonambi Sub off.svg 40'
LP1 Ox Nché Sub off.svg 40'
Replacements:
HK16 Malcolm Marx Sub on.svg 40'
PR17 Steven Kitshoff Sub on.svg 40'
PR18 Frans Malherbe Sub on.svg 40'
LK19 Lood de Jager Sub on.svg 62'
FL20 Rynhardt Elstadt Sub on.svg 63'
SH21 Herschel Jantjies Sub on.svg 73'
FH22 Elton Jantjies Sub on.svg 70'
FB23 Damian Willemse Sub on.svg 66'
Coach:
Flag of South Africa.svg Jacques Nienaber
South Africa vs British & Irish Lions 2021-07-24.svg
FB15 Flag of Scotland.svg Stuart Hogg
RW14 Flag of England.svg Anthony Watson
OC13 Flag of England.svg Elliot Daly Sub off.svg 64'Sub on.svg 66'
IC12 IRFU flag.svg Robbie Henshaw
LW11 Flag of Scotland.svg Duhan van der Merwe Sub off.svg 70'
FH10 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Dan Biggar Sub off.svg 66'
SH9 Flag of Scotland.svg Ali Price Sub off.svg 63'
N88 IRFU flag.svg Jack Conan
OF7 Flag of England.svg Tom Curry Sub off.svg 56'
BF6 Flag of England.svg Courtney Lawes Sub off.svg 72'
RL5 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Alun Wyn Jones (c)
LL4 Flag of England.svg Maro Itoje
TP3 IRFU flag.svg Tadhg Furlong Sub off.svg 66'
HK2 Flag of England.svg Luke Cowan-Dickie Sub off.svg 56'
LP1 Flag of Scotland.svg Rory Sutherland Sub off.svg 56'
Replacements:
HK16 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Ken Owens Sub on.svg 56'
PR17 Flag of England.svg Mako Vunipola Sub on.svg 56'
PR18 Flag of England.svg Kyle Sinckler Sub on.svg 66'
LK19 IRFU flag.svg Tadhg Beirne Sub on.svg 72'
FL20 Flag of Scotland.svg Hamish Watson Sub on.svg 56'
SH21 IRFU flag.svg Conor Murray Sub on.svg 63'
FH22 Flag of England.svg Owen Farrell Sub on.svg 64'
FB23 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Liam Williams Sub on.svg 70'
Coach:
Flag of New Zealand.svg Warren Gatland

Player of the Match:
Maro Itoje (British & Irish Lions) [39]

Assistant referees:
Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Mathieu Raynal (France)
Television match official:
Marius Jonker (South Africa) [lower-alpha 4]

Notes:

South Africa v British & Irish Lions (second test)

31 July 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg27–9 British & Irish Lions
Try: Mapimpi 44' m
Am 60' c
Con: Pollard (1/2) 61'
Pen: Pollard (5/6) 3', 31', 70', 75', 80'
Report Pen: Biggar (3/4) 9', 16', 36'
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Attendance: 0
Referee: Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
FB15 Willie le Roux
RW14 Cheslin Kolbe Yellow card.svg 24' to 34'
OC13 Lukhanyo Am
IC12 Damian de Allende
LW11 Makazole Mapimpi Sub off.svg 67'
FH10 Handré Pollard
SH9 Faf de Klerk Sub off.svg 63'
N88 Jasper Wiese Sub off.svg 55'
BF7 Pieter-Steph du Toit Sub off.svg 21'
OF6 Siya Kolisi (c)Sub off.svg 72'
RL5 Franco Mostert
LL4 Eben Etzebeth
TP3 Frans Malherbe Sub off.svg 55'
HK2 Bongi Mbonambi Sub off.svg 55'
LP1 Steven Kitshoff Sub off.svg 59'
Replacements:
HK16 Malcolm Marx Sub on.svg 55'
PR17 Trevor Nyakane Sub on.svg 59'
PR18 Vincent Koch Sub on.svg 55'
LK19 Lood de Jager Sub on.svg 55'
FL20 Marco van Staden Sub on.svg 72'
FL21 Kwagga Smith Sub on.svg 21'
SH22 Herschel Jantjies Sub on.svg 63'
FB23 Damian Willemse Sub on.svg 67'
Coach:
Flag of South Africa.svg Jacques Nienaber
South Africa vs British & Irish Lions 2021-07-31.svg
FB15 Flag of Scotland.svg Stuart Hogg
RW14 Flag of England.svg Anthony Watson
OC13 Flag of Scotland.svg Chris Harris Sub off.svg 61'
IC12 IRFU flag.svg Robbie Henshaw
LW11 Flag of Scotland.svg Duhan van der Merwe Yellow card.svg 22' to 32'
FH10 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Dan Biggar Sub off.svg 57'
SH9 IRFU flag.svg Conor Murray Sub off.svg 57'
N88 IRFU flag.svg Jack Conan Sub off.svg 59'
OF7 Flag of England.svg Tom Curry
BF6 Flag of England.svg Courtney Lawes Sub off.svg 70'
RL5 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Alun Wyn Jones (c)
LL4 Flag of England.svg Maro Itoje
TP3 IRFU flag.svg Tadhg Furlong Sub off.svg 55'
HK2 Flag of England.svg Luke Cowan-Dickie Sub off.svg 55'
LP1 Flag of England.svg Mako Vunipola Sub off.svg 55'
Replacements:
HK16 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Ken Owens Sub on.svg 55'
PR17 Flag of Scotland.svg Rory Sutherland Sub on.svg 55'
PR18 Flag of England.svg Kyle Sinckler Sub on.svg 55'
LK19 IRFU flag.svg Tadhg Beirne Sub on.svg 70'
N820 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Taulupe Faletau Sub on.svg 59'
SH21 Flag of Scotland.svg Ali Price Sub on.svg 57'
FH22 Flag of England.svg Owen Farrell Sub on.svg 57'
CE23 Flag of England.svg Elliot Daly Sub on.svg 61'
Coach:
Flag of New Zealand.svg Warren Gatland

Player of the Match:
Makazole Mapimpi (South Africa) [42]

Assistant referees:
Nic Berry (Australia)
Mathieu Raynal (France)
Television match official:
Marius Jonker (South Africa)

Notes:

South Africa v British & Irish Lions (third test)

7 August 2021
18:00 SAST (UTC+02)
South Africa  Flag of South Africa.svg19–16 British & Irish Lions
Try: Kolbe 55' c
Con: Pollard (1/1) 56'
Pen: Pollard (2/4) 11', 35'
Steyn (2/2) 66', 78'
Report Try: Owens 18' c
Con: Russell (1/1) 20'
Pen: Russell (3/3) 16', 62', 74'
Cape Town Stadium, Cape Town
Attendance: 0
Referee: Mathieu Raynal (France)
FB15 Willie le Roux Sub off.svg 68'
RW14 Cheslin Kolbe
OC13 Lukhanyo Am
IC12 Damian de Allende
LW11 Makazole Mapimpi
FH10 Handré Pollard Sub off.svg 64'
SH9 Cobus Reinach Sub off.svg 63'
N88 Jasper Wiese Sub off.svg 62'
BF7 Franco Mostert Cruz Roja.svg 12' to 20'
OF6 Siya Kolisi (c)Sub off.svg 55'Sub on.svg 62'
RL5 Lood de Jager Sub off.svg 52'
LL4 Eben Etzebeth
TP3 Frans Malherbe Sub off.svg 55'
HK2 Bongi Mbonambi Sub off.svg 55'
LP1 Steven Kitshoff Sub off.svg 60'
Replacements:
HK16 Malcolm Marx Sub on.svg 55'
PR17 Trevor Nyakane Sub on.svg 60'
PR18 Vincent Koch Sub on.svg 55'
FL19 Marco van Staden Sub on.svg 55'
FL20 Kwagga Smith Sub on.svg 12'Sub off.svg 20'Sub on.svg 52'
SH21 Herschel Jantjies Sub on.svg 63'
FH22 Morné Steyn Sub on.svg 64'
FB23 Damian Willemse Sub on.svg 68'
Coach:
Flag of South Africa.svg Jacques Nienaber
South Africa vs British & Irish Lions 2021-08-07.svg
FB15 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Liam Williams
RW14 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Josh Adams
OC13 IRFU flag.svg Robbie Henshaw
IC12 IRFU flag.svg Bundee Aki
LW11 Flag of Scotland.svg Duhan van der Merwe
FH10 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Dan Biggar Sub off.svg 10'
SH9 Flag of Scotland.svg Ali Price Sub off.svg 58'
N88 IRFU flag.svg Jack Conan Sub off.svg 60'
OF7 Flag of England.svg Tom Curry
BF6 Flag of England.svg Courtney Lawes
RL5 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Alun Wyn Jones (c)Sub off.svg 60'
LL4 Flag of England.svg Maro Itoje
TP3 IRFU flag.svg Tadhg Furlong Sub off.svg 58'
HK2 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Ken Owens Sub off.svg 53'
LP1 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Wyn Jones Sub off.svg 43'
Replacements:
HK16 Flag of England.svg Luke Cowan-Dickie Sub on.svg 53'
PR17 Flag of England.svg Mako Vunipola Sub on.svg 43'
PR18 Flag of England.svg Kyle Sinckler Sub on.svg 58'
LK19 Flag of Wales (1959-present).svg Adam Beard Sub on.svg 60'
N820 Flag of England.svg Sam Simmonds Sub on.svg 60'
SH21 IRFU flag.svg Conor Murray Sub on.svg 58'
FH22 Flag of Scotland.svg Finn Russell Sub on.svg 10'
CE23 Flag of England.svg Elliot Daly
Coach:
Flag of New Zealand.svg Warren Gatland

Player of the Match:
Cheslin Kolbe (South Africa)[ citation needed ]

Assistant referees:
Ben O'Keeffe (New Zealand)
Nic Berry (Australia)
Television match official:
Marius Jonker (South Africa)

Notes:

Notes

  1. Murray replaced Jones as tour captain after Jones was injured.
  2. Gatland was also an assistant coach in 2009, making this his fourth tour.
  3. South Africa's director of rugby, Rassie Erasmus, coached the South Africa A side in the absence of head coach Jacques Nienaber, who was in isolation after contracting COVID-19. [37]
  4. Replaced New Zealand's Brendon Pickerill for the full test series after Pickerill was unable to travel due to COVID restrictions. [40]

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