Lions await retaliation

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McGeechan. He expects that the Springboks will be more efficient in "recycling the ball and second and third phase possession Telfer also believes the Springboks will be more physical.

The more open the game, the more likely it is to suit the Lions. The Lions pack is the more mobile. They will not seek a war of attrition up front. Yet again the front row of Tom Smith, Keith Wood and Paul Wallace will face a stern examination.

We might well see an attempt to take Davidson out of the line out, and perhaps more ball may be called on Johnson this time than last week. The Springboks back row of Ruben Kruger, Teichmann and Andre Venter is a good unit, and the defensive screen by the Lions' back row must be solid against them and scrumhalf Joost van der Westhuizen.

The selection of Eric Miller and Neil Back among the Lions replacements is significant. They will be called in to up the pace when it is deemed prudent.

The Springboks include two new caps this afternoon in centre Percy Montgomery and wing Pieter Rossouw. There is a recall for centre Danic Van Schalkwyk, who scored two tries against the Lions for Northern Transvaal. I would expect Honiball to try to move the ball with more authority to his three quarters than he did last week.

But the Lions will hit hard, none more so than Scott Gibbs in the centre. The Springboks will, too, probably try to use full back Andre Joubert more as an attacking weapon.

The referee today is Didier Mene, of France, and his interpretations will be very important - as will his vigilance. Neil Jenkins is in vintage kicking form and will take advantage of any penalty chances. Their number and their range will depend on the Springboks' discipline, or lack of it, and on Mene's application of the laws.

The Springboks go into the match as marginal favourites according to the bookmakers. "Yes, I would agree that the Springboks are favourites," said Fran Cotton. "But we are quietly confident that we can win again.

That really sums up the feelings in the Lions den. "We have a great chance now to win the series, and to give rugby in the Northern Hemisphere, and every one of the four nations, a great lift," said Scott Gibbs.

The Lions know they stand on the threshold of what would be an achievement of immense moment, and can make it a memorable and significant afternoon in the history of Lions rugby. What greater incentive could there be?