Rusty Springboks face massive task in British & Irish Lions series – De Villiers

Former Springbok captain Jean de Villiers believes a rusty South Africa side faces a massive task in taking on the British & Irish Lions later this year.

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The Springboks haven’t played a single match since defeating England 32-12 in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Japan, and De Villiers admits this will put them at a significant disadvantage against their Six Nations-hardened opponents.

Now that it has been confirmed that British & Irish Lions tour will go ahead in South Africa as originally scheduled, the 109-Test veteran said it is imperative that the reigning world champions quickly put a plan in place to get the players up to speed.

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“It will be tough preparation,” said De Villiers.

“There were some amazing games in the Six Nations. These guys are getting back into the groove while South Africa’s players are just sitting on the couch, not able to play as a national side.

“The odds are a little bit stacked against us. Rassie Erasmus [South Africa’s director of rugby] and Jacques Nienaber [head coach] now know when and where it will happen. They’ll put all the pieces of the puzzle together to get as good a preparation as possible. It’s the only thing they have control over now.

“You can’t change the last 12 months but what you can do is have an effect on the next six months to make sure we experience an amazing Lions series.”

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De Villiers missed out on the Springboks’ World Cup victory in 2007 due to injury, but played a key part in their 2-1 series victory over the British & Irish Lions two years later.

Because he also missed out on the 2003 World Cup through injury and played only a minor part in the 2011 edition for the same reason, the 2009 Lions tour emerges as arguably the most memorable and significant achievement of his career.

“2009 was an extremely special year,” the former midfield general added.

“The Lions series was one of the pinnacles of my career. Taking into account my history with World Cups, playing in a winning Lions series was amazing.

“Also remember the last time the Lions were beaten was in 2009. They won in Australia and drew in New Zealand so they have something to prove in South Africa.

“For the players, it will be an amazing experience. A lot of players made the decision to either stay in South Africa or keep playing because of the Lions series and what it means to them.”

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