Ball in Warren Gatland’s court after a week that laid bare rugby union’s ugly side | Michael Aylwin


Sense of grievance manufactured by Rassie Erasmus is more proof that Lions have not fared well in the social media age

If Lions tours are supposed to spread the Gospel of Rugby, they best choose somewhere else to go. If they are to satisfy the bloodlust of the already converted, then why play anyone else? This match, like the last – indeed this whole week – has showed rugby at its ugliest and most difficult to love. Which is just how some people, well, love it.

And now the dust has settled, we are confronted with what no Lions tour to South Africa has known since 1910 – a series tied up for the final Test. The mind boggles. Social media channels hum in anticipation, no doubt on the brink of the latest explosion of controversy.

Related: Lukhanyo Am seals South Africa victory on painful night for British & Irish Lions

Related: Springboks’ battling win leaves rogue warrior Erasmus with no regrets | Gerard Meagher

Continue reading...