Springboks vs British & Irish

Saturday’s first Test between the world champion Springboks and touring British & Irish Lions promises – like so many rugby matches – to be decided up front. Photo: Twitter @Springboks

Springboks vs British & Irish Lions set for war of attrition

The Springboks and British & Irish Lions enter a rugby war of attrition with a generation worth of pride, history and culture at stake.

Springboks vs British & Irish

Saturday’s first Test between the world champion Springboks and touring British & Irish Lions promises – like so many rugby matches – to be decided up front. Photo: Twitter @Springboks

The Springboks and British & Irish Lions enter a rugby war of attrition with a generation worth of pride, history and culture at stake.

Once every 12 years, this match pits the defending world champions against the best of the entire United Kingdom.

READ | BRITISH & IRISH LIONS | SPRINGBOKS AIMING TO BE THE ONLY SIDE IT THE SOUTHERN HEMISPHERE TO WIN SERIES IN THE LAST 12 YEARS

Jacques Nienaber has prepared his Bok army for Warren Gatland’s charges who are ready for war!

It’s the Northern Hemisphere against South Africa and the whole world is watching.

Siya Kolisi leads out the Springboks against Alun Wyn Jones. These are two of the most famous names in world rugby clashing head-to-head in a tour that is so prestigious many deem it greater than even the Rugby World Cup. You are privileged as a player to feature in this series since it is a generational occurrence.

The champions of the world battle a side made of world cup finalists England and semi-finalists Wales. With the added boost of Scotland and Irelands best.

England are seeking redemption for their 32-12 loss in the final while Wales are still heartbroken after falling tantalizingly close in the semi-final.

Eventually, losing 19-16 to a late Handre Pollard Penalty with just a couple of minutes left on the clock.

This game and entire series could well be decided by a last minute penalty or drop goal. Both sides boast many of the best players in the world and know exactly what is at stake. Gatland is currently undefeated against the Southern Hemisphere after a historic 1-1 drawn series left a bitter sweet taste in their mouth. The sweetness is what they crave and the bitterness will fuel his side.

READ | SPRINGBOK LATEST | SIYA KOLISI MAKEA HISTORY AS THE FISRT-EVER PLAYER OF COLOUR TO CAPTAIN

The Springboks were the last side to taste success in the 3 match series. 12 years ago, in 2009, when Morne Steyn slotted a 52m penalty on the buzzer to secure a famous, emotional and dramatic 28-25 victory.

The Boks had the best defense in the 2019 Rugby World Cup in Tokyo and the Lions have been huge defensively in almost all of their tour matches.

Every blade of grass will be fought for. It will be a war of attrition with not an inch given by either side. Expect some of the biggest hits you have ever seen to fly in at will as the game is played at a remarkable intensity.

Prediction: This will be brutal as both sides are fueled with emotion and passion built up from 12 years of imagining this very match, The British & Irish Lions series in South Africa. A chance for redemption with history and pride at stake. Greatness beckons these men as they aim to engrave their names into the rugby history books. It will be a war of attrition and will be extremely tight. Expect this one to go down to the wire. One huge moment to define history. It is certainly not for the faint-hearted. I expect the Rugby World Cup-winning mentality and experience to be just enough for an epic Bok triumph, JUST. Springboks by 3.

READ | SPRINGBOK LATEST | ENERGY IN BOK CAMP REALLY GOOD AS PLAYERS UNITE AFTER OVER 18 MONTHS – WATCH

This is it, the countdown is almost up and an instant classic richly embedded in history, pride and passion await us.

The Springboks and British & Irish Lions series finally gets underway at 18:00 (SAT Time).