lions tour 2021 film

Springboks wing Makazole Mapimpi against the British & Irish Lions. Photo: Twitter @Springboks

TRAILER: Boks-Lions series documentary to premiere mid-May!

A documentary series of the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa, from the producers of ‘Chasing the Sun, will be released soon.

The documentary film series – titled ‘Two sides to every story’ will be aired on 15 May, and will cover the incredible on-field and behind-the-scenes story from the 2021 B&I Lions three Tests against the Boks.

The series was famously won 2-1 by the Springboks, but it was also filled with controversy, which ranged from a massive Covid-19 outbreak that threatened the entire tour, to the infamous Rassie Erasmus refereeing video that came to light.

You can see the Boks-Lions documentary preview below:

There are '𝙏𝙬𝙤 𝙎𝙞𝙙𝙚𝙨' to every story. SuperSport's official documentary film series of the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa premieres on May 15 🇿🇦🦁 pic.twitter.com/CoieCzYnUf — SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) April 5, 2022

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Erasmus was able to resume most Springbok job-related activities from mid-January after serving the first part of his ban handed down by World Rugby in relation to the video criticising officials after the first Test, but he will only be able to be involved on the Boks’ match-days from October onwards.

The widely-circulated video led to one of the biggest controversies the game has seen, while in an exclusive interview with the Daily Mail , Erasmus recently revealed what a toll it took on him and his family.

“I want people to know that I’m not this monster that I’ve been portrayed as,” he said in an interview with highly-regarded England-based writer Nik Simon. “Did you know my sister lives in Reading? She’s a social worker for the NHS. Fully invested in the English life. She loves the Royal Family, sings God Save the Queen and would stand outside clapping for the old guy, Sir Tom, who walked up and down his garden 100 times during the lockdown. “After what happened during the Lions tour, it felt like her family in the UK were the only people outside of South Africa who didn’t hate me. How do you think that makes you feel? It feels awful, man….

“Listen, I have never been a suit-and-tie guy who claims to be a saint. I have never said I will be a life coach. I have never had slogans like ‘better people make better rugby players’. I have never said I’m the world’s greatest father. Yeah, I’ve always been a bit naughty and enjoyed a giggle but I’ve always been an honest guy. “People think I leaked that video. I didn’t. Who leaks something like that? Why would I screw up my whole career to do that? I’ve got twin girls, 18 years old, who are at school and they hear other parents telling them how their dad had f***** it all up.  “My mum is at an old-age home and they’re showing her articles saying, ‘Rassie’s lost it, he’s got depression, he’s drunk’. They think those things because they are indoctrinated that I leaked that video. I want to tell the world that, swearing on my youngest child’s life, I did not leak that video.  “Many people have already made up their mind. How do you change people’s perception when World Rugby have found me guilty and banned me for 12 months? I don’t want people to feel sorry for me. I just want them to know what really happened.”

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Prior to the second Test between the Boks and the Lions, after the video had become public, Erasmus also reveals that he isolated himself away from the rest of the team.

“Before that second Test I was crying in my room. I cried out of fear. I was afraid. If we had lost the second Test can you imagine the s*** I would have got from my own people?  “I would have been the guy who messed it up. I would have been finished. It was the scariest night of my career. The most intense week of my life. I was too nervous to get on the bus with the players. I drove in a separate car.”

In the interview, Erasmus also explains how the video was sent and insists he was not responsible for the leak.

“I looked at the viewing history and eight of the first 35 views were in Australia. How? Why on earth would I leak it to guys in Australia? It comes out and suddenly I look like the villain. It just doesn’t make sense. “Listen, the mistake I made was not putting a password on the link. I didn’t think it was necessary. I compounded that by not warning that it was confidential. So I accept and agree with World Rugby’s finding that a public leak was almost inevitable. “I have to live with that and I unconditionally accept their verdict and the sanction imposed. I won’t challenge or criticise that in any way. But I repeat to you, I am not the person who leaked that video.”

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Watch: 2021 Lions series documentary trailer

‘Two Sides’, SuperSport’s official documentary series of the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa, is set to premiere in May.

ALSO READ: Roos is what Rassie is looking for

There are ‘??? ?????’ to every story. if(device_type != "desktop"){ document.write(' '); document.write(' '); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('dfp-300x250-2'); }); document.write(' '); } SuperSport’s official documentary film series of the 2021 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa premieres on May 15 ??? pic.twitter.com/CoieCzYnUf if(window.isMobile != null || window.isTablet != null){ document.write(' '); document.write(' '); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1662106257214-0'); }); document.write(' '); } — SuperSport ? (@SuperSportTV) April 5, 2022 if(device_type != "desktop"){ document.write(' '); document.write(' '); googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('dfp-300x250-3'); }); document.write(' '); }

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When is the 2021 Lions documentary released? Three-part film follows both teams

A behind the scenes documentary of the 2021 Lions tour is being made and it will break new ground in telling both sides of the tour

• 16:41, 7 AUG 2021

As the 2021 Lions tour comes to a close in Cape Town, fans will now be eagerly anticipating the release of the behind the scenes documentary.

The films released after tours in years gone by have become infamous, offering a unique insight into life as a Lions tourist and what goes on behind the scenes.

The 1997 Living with the Lions tape still stands out as the best there has ever been, although all that have been released since have made for intriguing watches.

There was some concern ahead of the tour when it was reported in May that the Lions had struggled to sell rights to the documentary.

However, it's understood that filming has been taking place behind the scenes and a documentary of the Lions' 2021 tour of South Africa is being produced by Whisper Cymru.

It is news that will delight Lions fans given the unprecedented nature of the tour, which has taken place without any fans present against the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic.

It is believed that the documentary, which will be split into a series of three parts, will also break new ground and include behind the scenes footage from both the Lions and the South Africa camps.

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In previous years, the documentary has only featured the tourists. But this time, Whisper Cymru have had crews on both sides of the divide, offering unique insight.

The Lions are expected to confirm a release date and a broadcaster in the near future.

The 2017 installment was released in November of that year.

While the 2021 date is still unclear, fans can rest assured that a documentary is on the way.

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2021 BRITISH & IRISH LIONS TOUR DOCUMENTARY TO BE AIRED ON ITV1

The British & Irish Lions in conjunction with The South African Rugby Union will release a much-anticipated three-part behind-the-scenes documentary of the 2021 British & Irish Lions Series.

Co-produced by Whisper and T + W, the documentary series ‘Two Sides’ explores what transpired in the Springbok and Lions camps during the 2021 Tour of South Africa.

Stepping away from the traditional format, ‘Two Sides’ tells the story of both the Lions and Springboks during the first Tour to South Africa since 2009. The documentary features fly-on-the-wall footage of both camps as they took part in a fascinating series of games, which was successfully completed against the hugely challenging backdrop of a global pandemic.

This is the latest in a long and critically acclaimed series of Lions Tour documentaries that includes the mould-breaking ‘Living with Lions’ released 25 years ago.

As well as illuminating insights into the teams’ preparations and what went on during the matches, the documentary will also give fans a rare glimpse into the workings of a unique and memorable sporting event.

The British & Irish Lions and The South African Rugby Union are delighted to bring this three-part series to supporters with our broadcast partner ITV and broadcast sponsor Vodafone. Details on where the documentary will be shown in all other territories will be announced in due course.

The three hour-long episodes of Two Sides, produced by Whisper and T + W, will be shown on Sunday 19 June (10.20pm BST); Monday 20 June (10.45pm); and Tuesday 21 June (10.45pm). The first episode airs on ITV1 at 10.20pm this Sunday (19 June).

Speaking on the new documentary, Ben Calveley, British & Irish Lions Managing Director, said: “The British & Irish Lions and documentaries are inextricably linked. Going back to 1997 with the unforgettable ‘Living with Lions’, the Lions have produced a documentary capturing behind-the-scenes moments of every subsequent Tour. This particular documentary shows how both sides rose to the unprecedented challenge of hosting a major sporting event during a global pandemic.”

South African Rugby Union CEO Jurie Roux added: “I know rugby fans are going to find this documentary fascinating and entertaining in equal measure, with the added twist this time of getting a fly-on-the-wall view of both camps involved in this unique tour. We are delighted to partner with The British & Irish Lions on Two Sides, which will act as a wonderful archive for rugby fans to look back upon for decades to come.”

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The story of the 2021 Tour

Against all the odds and amid a pandemic, The British & Irish Lions managed to successfully stage the 2021 Tour to South Africa.

Warren Gatland’s men were denied the support of the Sea of Red with travelling fans grounded by travel restrictions imposed due to Covid-19. But those players selected from England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales did themselves proud in a mightily close Test match series which just tipped in favour of the Springboks.

Gatland’s side was skippered by the talismanic Alun Wyn Jones, who flew out to South Africa just three weeks after dislocating his shoulder in the pre-Tour 1888 Cup clash against Japan at Murrayfield.

Gatland called upon 1997 tourist Gregor Townsend as attack coach alongside his fellow Scotland coach Steve Tandy to take charge of the defence.

Welshman Robin McBryde, who toured Australia as a player in 2001, joined the coaching staff for the first time as assistant coach with the remit for the forwards having previously been an integral member of Gatland’s Wales set-up during a 13-year career in Cardiff.

Kicking consultant Neil Jenkins also reprised his role as assistant coach for the fourth successive Tour having previously been to South Africa in 2009, Australia in 2013 and New Zealand in 2017.

The squad’s initial meeting began with a successful training camp in Jersey where players were able to escape the clutches of the hotel and explore what the Channel Island has to offer.

A first competitive run-out for the Lions, excluding those involved in the Premiership final on the same day, came at BT Murrayfield against Japan. It was a first ever match in Scotland for the tourists, who successfully negotiated a spirited Brave Blossoms outfit to come out 28-10 winners.

Three of the four Lions tries were scored by debutants, including a lovely effort from versatile Irish forward Tadhg Beirne who sprinted under the sticks after being found with a deft pass from fly-half Dan Biggar.

The result meant it is now 13 Tours since the Lions last lost their opener but the encounter with the Japanese was not plain sailing because as well as the shoulder injury suffered by Jones, Welsh team-mate Justin Tipuric suffered his own shoulder problem that would rule him out of the Tour .

Two more Welshmen in Josh Navidi and Adam Beard were added to the touring party that immediately flew out to South Africa, with Tipuric and Jones, initially, staying in the UK.

Winger Josh Adams got his Tour off to a flyer with four tries in the opening match in Johannesburg as Gatland’s men trumped their namesakes Sigma Lions 56-14 .

The youngest man on tour Louis Rees-Zammit, in charge of BIL the Lion, also crossed along with scrum-half Gareth Davies and Scottish duo Hamish Watson and Ali Price.

It was the first time two Scots had scored a try in the same game for the Lions since 1989. And although he did not touch down, captain on the day Stuart Hogg shone with a vitally important try-saving tackle on Sibusiso Sangweni, who he chased down five metres short of the line.

Online charity auction raises thousands for Lions Trust

The Lions were again comfortable winners against their next opponents, beating Cell C Sharks 54-7 at the same Emirates Airline Park venue in midweek.

Team selection was disrupted with eight last minute changes to the 23 just a couple of hours before kick-off after nine players were placed into isolation. Adams added a hat-trick to his soaring try tally and Duhan van der Merwe also crossed for three tries.

The same two sides were reacquainted after a Covid outbreak at the Bulls and Jamie George was given the honour of captaining the side from hooker.

Aided by a red card to Jaden Hendrikse, the Lions chalked up a 71-31 victory with Beirne scoring two, George himself crossing for a double and Anthony Watson showing his eye for the line with a further two tries.

Next came easily the biggest challenge so far for the tourists, as South Africa, also struggling for match practice given the limits imposed by impact of Covid-19 on their series with Georgia, named an incredibly strong South Africa ‘A’ side in Cape Town.

A total of 11 2019 Rugby World Cup winners lined up against the Lions, who were without the prolific Adams after he missed the game to witness the birth of his first child over Zoom.

And the South Africa ‘A’ squad inflicted the first defeat of the Tour on the Lions, winning 17-13 with one special moment from Cheslin Kolbe who left two defenders for dead after picking up a loose ball before passing for Lukhanyo Am to score.

The Lions rallied in the second half with a converted Wyn Jones score but came out second best in midweek, giving the squad a reminder of the size of the task at hand.

With Finn Russell struggling with injury, Harlequins and England fly-half Marcus Smith was added to the touring party and started the final warm-up fixture against the DHL Stormers.

He helped steer the side around the park to a 49-3 win in a game in which the Lions had seven unique try scorers, including Exeter Chiefs trio Luke Cowan-Dickie, Jonny Hill and Sam Simmonds.

It also marked the heroic return to action of Alun Wyn Jones as he made his comeback for the last 20 minutes off the bench, having returned to the touring party late after proving his fitness in sessions with Wales.

The injury was thought to have ended Jones’ Tour before it had even begun, and Conor Murray was named as replacement skipper with Beard called up but both locks went on to feature in the Test series.

Jones was named as captain in the starting XV for the first Test which featured several previously unseen, untried but exciting combinations including the centre partnership of Robbie Henshaw and Elliot Daly.

Jones, the most-capped rugby union international of all time, crowned a remarkable turnaround in his fortunes by helping steer his side to a 22-17 victory in Cape Town . The Lions had mounted an impressive-second half comeback after trailing 12-3 following a try-less first half.

But, sparked by Test debutant Cowan-Dickie’s maul try and aided by the inspirational Player of the Match Maro Itoje, the men in red got back on track by drawing first blood against an ill-disciplined South Africa, who gave away eight penalties after the break.

A week later it was the turn of the ‘Bomb Squad’, the Springboks’ immensely physical bench, to put on a second-half masterclass, running out 27-9 winners .

Fly-half Handre Pollard contributed 17 points from the boot to square the series and deny the Lions the chance to emulate their 1997 predecessors at the very first opportunity.

The Lions were forced to use a ‘get out of jail free card’ and pushed into a decider, with opposition skipper Siya Kolisi denying Henshaw a try from Murray’s chip and chase in what proved to be a pivotal moment on the stroke of half-time.

The first-half lasted 63 minutes with a lack of continuity hurting the Lions and preventing the side from tiring out the powerful Springboks team.

The world champions completed a 2-1 series win in the deciding Test with 37-year-old fly-half Morne Steyn stepping off the bench to kick the winning penalty in a 19-16 victory , just as he had done in the second Test in 2009.

Kolbe once again showed his class by taking his sole opportunity and jinking down the wing, evading the recalled full-back Liam Williams and fending off Cowan-Dickie to dot down.

Despite the heartbreaking late defeat, Scottish star Russell’s free-flowing performance off the bench, on for the injured Dan Biggar early in the first-half, lit up the game and put the Lions on the front foot for large periods.

Emotional Jones reflects on different but special’ Tour

The ambitious side regularly pointed to the corner but were unable to get over for scores that would have helped establish an unassailable lead, Ken Owens’ effort the only try the tourists managed.

As the trip concluded, Gatland – who missed out on successfully leading an unbeaten Tour to all three Southern Hemisphere nations – said: “There are players who haven’t been involved (in the Test series) but their experience from this will hold them in really good stead for their international teams and in four years’ time.

“A really good example is Robbie Henshaw, who I thought was excellent. He probably learnt from the experience four years’ ago and then brought him on, improved him as a player.

“I’m incredibly proud of my involvement and have been very fortunate. I’m very passionate about the Lions. I hope the new players have learnt a lot from this Tour, not just from playing.

Gatland: Lions experience will serve players well next time around

“But also from the players around them in terms of the top players in the squad, their professionalism and the way that they train and all the extras that they do.

“I think they would have benefitted from that. I think Marcus Smith is going to be a superstar in the game, I think he is incredibly talented – he has an incredible amount of talent.”

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New documentary on 2021 british & irish lions tour to be aired on itv.

Published Tue 14 Jun 2022

New documentary on 2021 British & Irish Lions Tour to be aired on ITV, with the first episode on Sunday 19 June at 10.20pm

The British & Irish Lions in conjunction with The South African Rugby Union will release a much-anticipated three-part behind-the-scenes documentary of the 2021 British & Irish Lions Series.

The documentary series ‘Two Sides’ explores what transpired in the Springbok and Lions camps during the 2021 Tour of South Africa.

 Stepping away from the traditional format, ‘Two Sides’ tells the story of both the Lions and Springboks during the first Tour to South Africa since 2009. The documentary features fly-on-the-wall footage of both camps as they took part in a fascinating series of games, which was successfully completed against the hugely challenging backdrop of a global pandemic.

This is the latest in a long and critically acclaimed series of Lions Tour documentaries that includes the mould-breaking ‘Living with Lions’ released 25 years ago.

As well as illuminating insights into the teams’ preparations and what went on during the matches, the documentary will also give fans a rare glimpse into the workings of a unique and memorable sporting event.

The British & Irish Lions and The South African Rugby Union are delighted to bring this three-part series to supporters with our broadcast partner ITV and broadcast sponsor Vodafone. Details on where the documentary will be shown in all other territories will be announced in due course.

The three hour-long episodes of Two Sides, produced by Whisper and T + W, will be shown on Sunday 19 June (10.20pm BST); Monday 20 June (10.45pm); and Tuesday 21 June (10.45pm). The first episode airs on ITV at 10.20pm this Sunday. Visit itv.com/hub/tv-guide/2022-06-19 for the full broadcast schedule.

Speaking on the new documentary, Ben Calveley, British & Irish Lions Managing Director, said:

“The British & Irish Lions and documentaries are inextricably linked. Going back to 1997 with the unforgettable ‘Living with Lions’, the Lions have produced a documentary capturing behind-the-scenes moments of every subsequent Tour. This particular documentary shows how both sides rose to the unprecedented challenge of hosting a major sporting event during a global pandemic.”

South African Rugby Union CEO Jurie Roux added:

“I know rugby fans are going to find this documentary fascinating and entertaining in equal measure, with the added twist this time of getting a fly-on-the-wall view of both camps involved in this unique tour. We are delighted to partner with The British & Irish Lions on Two Sides, which will act as a wonderful archive for rugby fans to look back upon for decades to come.”

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Lions tour awards: best player, unsung hero and the most memorable quote

The Guardian’s writers in South Africa give their verdicts on a chaotic tour, on and off the field

Most memorable rugby moment

To be frank, there were not loads of them across the three Test matches so I’ll plump for the obvious one. When Morné Steyn was named as part of the South Africa squad, you had to wonder. When he was selected on the bench, you could see it coming, and when he came on to the field with two minutes to go there was an inevitability that 12 years on from kicking the Springboks to victory over the Lions he would do precisely the same again. Warren Gatland had the grace to chuckle at what fate had dealt his side. Steyn’s second coming was an irresistible narrative in a series that, on the field at least, did not provide too many. GM

Throwing long miss passes inside your 22 during a Lions Test is not meant to be the done thing. Nor is playing up in the faces of the world’s most effective rush defence. Finn Russell, happily, is not constrained by received wisdom: might the series outcome have been different had the Scotland fly-half been on the pitch for longer? Along with the twinkling Marcus Smith, Russell deserves this award for reminding us all that big-time rugby can still be fun. RK

Best tour game

After a number of one-sided warmups against inferior opposition and two turgid Test matches, the third Test sparkled into life, almost to the second when Finn Russell came on to the field. The Lions clearly approached the third Test with a bolder gameplan but it took Russell’s introduction to free them from the straitjacket. The Springboks, for their part, had a bit more intent to play too and even if both sides grew increasingly conservative as the clock ticked down, the finale was a nerve-shredder. GM

In hindsight the fluctuating SA “A” match – basically the Springboks in disguise – set the tone for the entire series. The Boks, disrupted by Covid, had little option but to give their main men a run, and after the one-sided provincial games how good it was to watch a proper contest. The Lions went 17-3 down but rallied to lose by just 17-13. Ten days later, having been forewarned, they won the first Test 22-17 in the same stadium. RK

Try of the tour

The Lions ran in so many in the warmups and so few in the series that it is hard to pick one that really stands out. Louis Rees-Zammit’s, late on against the Stormers, came from a trademark goose-step from Marcus Smith, however, and rounded off a fine individual showing by the Harlequins No 10. It gave a glimpse into the future – Smith will be the No 10 in the majority of those teams for 2025 currently being put together – and demonstrated what happens when talent is given the platform to shine. The penny eventually dropped for the Test team, just a little too late. GM

Few candidates from the Test series but, once again, the SA “A” game – aka “the fourth Test” – delivered. Eight minutes before half-time a misjudged clearance from Elliot Daly found Cheslin Kolbe who shimmied assuredly between Rees-Zammit and Chris Harris and sent his captain Lukhanyo Am away for a wonderful try, converted by the metronomic Steyn. No one realised then that Steyn was merely warming up … RK

Best Lions player

Honourable mentions for Robbie Henshaw and Courtney Lawes, who both come out of the series in considerable credit, but Maro Itoje proved to be the Lions’ totem throughout the Test series. In the opener it was he who led the resistance in the face of both an early onslaught and late flurry from South Africa and in the third Test again he came up with some trademark interventions. He came out second best in the second Test but looking at his overall series performance, perhaps South Africa supporters will now acknowledge his class. GM

Henshaw was everywhere, Tadhg Furlong was endlessly committed and the fit-again Russell sprinkled some aforementioned late stardust on the series. The most prominent Lion, though, was Itoje in the second row. One minute he was soaring in the lineout, the next making a nuisance of himself around the tackle area or demanding more from those around him. It is a tribute to Itoje and his captain Alun Wyn Jones that South Africa’s influential big men never had it easy. RK

Best Springbok player

Lukhanyo Am captained South Africa A to a victory over the Lions and then set the tone for the series by marmalising Daly inside the first few minutes of the first Test. Much more to his game than big hits however, he marshalled the defensive line superbly and scored the try which put South Africa out of sight in the second Test. Eben Etzebeth was excellent at times – particularly in the second Test – and Damian de Allende showed no after-effects of his fire-pit incident to dovetail alongside Am to superb effect. But Am edges it and is beginning to get the global recognition he deserves. GM

A three-way fight between the outstanding Am, the relentless De Allende and the consistent Franco Mostert. Am and Mostert would both have been deserving winners but De Allende shades it for his all-round contribution. The Munster centre was among the major reasons why the Springboks conceded only two tries in three Tests and was equally forceful whenever he had the ball. Given the horrible fire-pit accident prior to the tour, his was some effort. RK

Unsung tour hero

Ronan Kelleher was called into the preparation camp, essentially to make up the numbers with Jamie George and Luke Cowan-Dickie still occupied by their clubs. He was then kept on a week but not considered for the match against Japan in Edinburgh. That was supposed to be the extent of his involvement but amid concerns from the South African camp that a flurry of Lions injuries in the front row could lead to uncontested scrums, he was called out to join the squad. He was the only member of the touring party not to make an appearance but there were no hints of complaint from the Ireland hooker. That selflessness keeps the Lions concept going. GM

Marius Jonker. The South African was placed in an invidious position when he was asked to step in as the TMO after the original neutral appointee withdrew. Given how many calls were referred “upstairs” he was almost as busy as the on-field referees. Will have been mightily relieved he did not have to adjudicate on the series-deciding penalty. RK

Abiding tour memory

To wonder what might have been with 30,000 supporters in attendance. Cape Town is a beautiful city even in midwinter but there was something disturbing about seeing it so empty at times. Covid-19 has been devastating while riots and looting broke out elsewhere in the country mid-tour and with unemployment so high you could not help but wonder just how far the economic boon from a fully-attended tour would have gone, and if that was not considered by those who refused to entertain delaying the tour by a year it is to their shame. GM

Anyone with a chance to do so should visit Robben Island. Nelson Mandela’s old cell is a stark reminder of the grim injustices of the apartheid era but it was the searing testimony of our guide, an ex-prisoner himself, that really resonated. “Here’s where we went on hunger strike” puts even the most Covid-disrupted rugby tour into instant perspective. RK

Best quote(s)

“No, I’m actually not Jaco Johan, I’m Johan Erasmus. I actually follow Jaco Johan, he’s a big supporter of us. He’s been feeding me some really good clips for a while now, things that I’ve actually used in the past. He’s a very big supporter, a really funny guy and I quite enjoy the things that he does.” Before things turned sour with an hour-long evisceration of the referee Nic Berry, Rassie Erasmus stole the show with bizarre if entertaining press conference in which he had to deny being behind a Twitter burner account as a not-so subtle way of bringing decisions he disagreed with into the public eye. The quote pretty much sums up a stranger-than-fiction second Test week. GM

“You’re looking at him.” Liam Williams, asked to nominate the world’s best full-back under a high ball. “We want to see a change in mentality from our players in terms of speeding up the game. We want to see less ‘ball out of play’ and more action.” SA Rugby’s director of rugby Rassie Erasmus, 25 February 2021 RK

Biggest disappointment

Another obvious one but we must hope that this is the last major international series played out in empty stadiums. There are some advantages to the absence of supporters – particularly when you are sitting so close to the Springboks coaches – and hearing a fiercely pumped up Bundee Aki rallying the Lions troops in the first half of the last Test was a unique insight. But had the stadiums been packed to the rafters for all tour matches the warm-ups would have been significantly more animated and the Tests on another level entirely. GM

The reluctance of many in South Africa to call out Erasmus for his social media and waterboy antics. Everyone was impressed by the way he steered the Springboks to World Cup glory in 2019 but trampling all over rugby’s values of respect was not a good look. Sometimes referees get it wrong and, just occasionally, so do leading coaches. RK

My wish for 2025 …

The Lions have insisted that if it wasn’t for the pandemic, the Springbok players would have been playing for their franchises and there would not have been so many one-sided drubbings. Warren Gatland and his coaches have highlighted how it hardly helped their preparation but for watching supporters the tour really didn’t come to life until South Africa A named a Test side in all but name. The worry is that there are similar issues in Australia in four years’ time so it is heartening to hear both the Wallabies and the Lions open to potential tour matches against the Pacific Island nations, something that would suit all parties. Little is to be gained by thrashing weakened sides by more than 50 points. GM

A Lions itinerary with a refreshing twist. The days of routine walkovers over second-string state opposition are now over. What about a Test in Tokyo en route with either Fiji or a Pacific Island XV added to the fixture list, on the strict proviso that a decent slice of the tour profits go to the opposition and their unions? Or a British & Irish Lionesses tour, running in parallel with the men and perhaps featuring a Test series against a Rest of the World XV? It is time to start thinking more imaginatively. RK

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• South Africa rugby team
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British and Irish Lions partner with Whisper to form new content production arm

Lions productions will produce official documentary of 2025 tour and be responsible for in-house content offering..

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The British and Irish Lions have teamed up with production company Whisper to create a new in-house production division ahead of the rugby union side’s 2025 tour to Australia.

• Lions Productions to produce the official documentary for the 2025 tour and be responsible for in-house content production and exclusive behind-the-scenes content, including for the newly formed Lions Women’s team
• Lions Productions to also act as the in-tour productions company for Lions partners
• Whisper will film all in-camp content incorporating broadcast, highlight packages and official digital content

The Lions and Whisper previously partnered for the team’s 2021 tour to South Africa, which included producing the Emmy-nominated ‘Two Sides’ all-access documentary. The decision to form the in-house Lions Productions is intended to offer more in-depth content for fans throughout next summer’s tour.

“We are delighted to announce the formation of Lions Productions with Whisper which presents a milestone moment for the British and Irish Lions,” said Ben Calveley, chief executive of the British and Irish Lions.

“For the first time the Lions now has an exclusive, in-house content offering which will allow us to bring fans premium and engaging content throughout our tour cycle. We know how important connecting with our fans is and Lions Productions will allow us to do so like never before as well as providing greater value for our partners.”

Coming next:

The men’s Lions’ 2025 tour to Australia is scheduled for 28 th June to 2 nd August. The Women’s Lions are set to play three Tests against New Zealand in 2027.

Women’s Lions unions get UK£3m funding from Royal London ahead of inaugural tour

British and Irish Lions expect ‘commercially sustainable’ women’s tour in 2027

British and Irish Lions strike strategic partnership with Premiership Rugby and URC

Sky Sports secures UK broadcast rights to 2025 Lions tour of Australia

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The British & Irish Lions squad that took on reigning World Champions South Africa.

The 37-man party was skippered by Alun Wyn Jones, who made his fourth Lions Tour. Head coach Warren Gatland unveiled his squad and allowed the Lions to take on the Springboks in every department. Check out the chosen names here.

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Cowboys NFL Draft grades 2024: Dallas uses nearly every pick to revamp offensive line, front seven

A full list of dallas' eight draft picks.

FRISCO, Texas -- If the Dallas Cowboys are going to make a fourth consecutive playoff trip next season, they needed to ace the 2024 NFL Draft . 

They lost eight of their own players in free agency, tied for the third most in one offseason in Cowboys history. Five of those losses were starters: running back Tony Pollard ( Tennessee Titans ), center Tyler Biadasz ( Washington Commanders ), left tackle Tyron Smith ( New York Jets ), defensive end Dorance Armstrong (Washington Commanders) and defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins ( Seattle Seahawks ). 

Those losses occurred because Dallas wasn't able to re-up quarterback Dak Prescott ($55.1 million cap hit in final year of contract), who led the NFL with 36 touchdown passes in 2023, and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb ($17.991 million cap hit in final year of contract), who led the NFL with 135 catches in 2023, to long-term extensions prior to free agency. Doing so would have enabled the Cowboys to spread those cap hits out more evenly across future seasons. They have signed two external free agents this offseason: 32-year-old Pro Bowl linebacker Eric Kendricks (one year, $3 million contract) and 28-year-old journeyman running back Royce Freeman . 

"We feel great about what we've been in free agency. All in. All in. All in," Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones said. "We're all in with these young guys. We're all in with this draft. We're all in with knowing that you have to go. We've had adjustments. ... Again, without sounding defensive at all, the youth, the young guys coming in here and playing are incrementally viable. We're counting on them and we've had that happen for us."  

After being outmuscled in their 48-32 playoff loss against the Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys focused on getting stronger along their offensive line and in their front seven. Their first four picks addressed those areas, and Dallas finished the draft with linemen on both sides of the ball. The mission was to get "bigger and stronger." The Cowboys did just that.

Below is a look at every single pick the Cowboys made along with a grade for each.   

Cowboys select Oklahoma OT Tyler Guyton at No. 29

Dallas essentially held up a blinking, neon sign at its pre-draft press conference on Tuesday when talking about their biggest draft need: offensive line. After eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tyron Smith departed for the New York Jets and Pro Bowl center Tyler Biadasz followed Dan Quinn to the Washington Commanders in free agency, the Cowboys had holes at center and either left guard or left tackle, depending on where they decide to play 2023 Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith , a college left tackle at Tulsa, going forward. 

"I think in general, if you look at attrition, if you talk about where it hits us the hardest, it's the guys we lost in the offensive line," Cowboys COO and executive VP Stephen Jones said Tuesday.  

Smith revealed he feels most  comfortable at left guard coming off the Pro Bowl nod, but he is amicable to playing left tackle . Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy accidentally revealed that he sees Smith's best position as left guard. 

"Now, where Tyler would line up, it would probably be at guard ... or maybe tackle," McCarthy said laughing. 

Now that the Cowboys selected Oklahoma's Tyler Guyton, an offensive tackle who didn't allow a sack on 335 pass-blocking snaps in 2023, Smith remains at left guard. Guyton, who stands at 6-foot-8 while weighing 322 pounds, possesses plenty of athletic gifts. His 34 1/8-inch arms and 82 1/4-inch wingspan that he measured at the NFL Scouting Combine are ideal attributes for an NFL offensive tackle. Guyton was CBS Sports' seventh-ranked offensive tackle and 36th-ranked overall player in this draft. 

Guyton is quick on his feet and well-balanced in pass protection. The top element of his game is how he uses his hands like a boxer, striking and counter-punching oncoming pass rushers. He also has fluidity with his hips, which allows him to bend and recover well in pass protection. Guyton could improve his efficiency with his hands, and his leverage could improve if he cut down on the amount of snaps in which he stood up too upright. Thirteen of his 15 college starts came at right tackle, so Dallas will need to work on him a lot about transitioning to left tackle. However, Guyton was a blindside protector as a Sooner as Oklahoma's 2023 starting quarterback, Dillon Gabriel, was left-handed. 

Ultimately, Dallas gets what it wanted: an athletic tackle it can replace Tyron Smith with, and Tyler Smith gets to remain at left guard where he and McCarthy feel he can play his best. Mission accomplished,  even with the trade back . 

Prisco grade: B

"This is a move that has been predicted by a lot of people. He played right tackle in college, but can move to the left side. This fills a major need."

Cowboys select Western Michigan edge rusher Marshawn Kneeland at No. 56

Marshawn Kneeland, a fifth-year senior who stands at 6 feet, 3 inches while weighing 267 pounds, comes in with the traits (34 1/4-inch arms and a 4.75 40-yard dash) to provide more to juice to a Cowboys' pass rush that led the NFL in quarterback pressure rate last season (45%).

Kneeland possesses a prototypical NFL edge rusher build, utilizing the long wing span and burst off the line of scrimmage to achieve a leverage advantage over offensive linemen. He also has a strong motor, and the football IQ to diagnose reads in the run game. 

The cons are his quickness when countering a blocker's attempt to slow him down is much slower than his initial jump off the line of scrimmage, and he can get lost inside. Not ever having five sacks in a single college football season, 4.5 was his career high, is a little concerning, but he faced regular double teams on Western Michigan. That won't be the case for him anymore playing alongside three-time All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons and four-time Pro Bowl edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence. While five-time Pro Bowl cornerback Stephon Gilmore isn't on the team anymore and Pro Bowl corner Trevon Diggs is coming off a torn ACL, adding more muscle to their defensive front will take some of the burden off of their secondary. 

Trapasso grade: B-

"Big-time tester who might be just scratching the surface of how good he can be around the corner. Doesn't quite play to his workout but works the edges of OTs very well. Shows glimpses of countering ability. Just didn't ever dominate in the MAC. Roll of the dice."  

Cowboys select Kansas State OL Cooper Beebe at No. 73

Dallas turned its trade back five spots in the first round on Thursday from 24 to 29 with the Detroit Lions into two new offensive linemen: Oklahoma offensive tackle Tyler Guyton (29th) and Kansas State interior offensive lineman Cooper Beebe.

Beebe, a 2023 consensus All-American and back-to-back Big 12 Offensive Lineman of the Year (2022, 2023), appears to be the long-term replacement for 33-year-old, nine-time Pro Bowl right guard Zack Martin, who is entering the final year of his contract in 2024. Beebe earned First-Team All-Big 12 selections in each of the last three seasons because he is an absolute menace off the line of scrimmage. His burst off the snap is superb as is his handwork. Beebe consistently pancakes opposing lineman into the turf, barreling ahead in the run game like a freight train, forcing others to adapt to his incoming presence. Beebe was mostly a guard in college, but perhaps Mike McCarthy moves him to center for a season in 2024 to replace the departed Tyler Biadasz.  

Their projected 2024 offensive line now looks like this: Tyler Guyton at left tackle, Tyler Smith at left guard, Cooper Beebe at center, Zack Martin at right guard and Terence Steele at right tackle. That's a front five that has as much upside as any in the entire NFL. 

Trapasso grade:  B+  

"The reconstruction of the OL continues in Dallas. Older, super-experienced guard-only who's rarely out of position. Athletic limitations are obvious. Low center of gravity gives him quality anchor. Smart pick here despite minimal upside. High floor."

Cowboys select Notre Dame LB Marist Liufau at No. 87

With the retirement of Pro Bowl linebacker Leighton Vander Esch plus 2023 third-round pick linebacker DeMarvion Overshown coming off a torn ACL he suffered in training camp last season, the Cowboys needed to add depth to their linebacker corps. They did so first by signing 32-year-old Pro Bowl linebacker Eric Kendricks in free agency. They add another player in Day 2 by choosing Notre Dame's Marist Liufau in the third round.

Liufau is built like a modern-day NFL inside linebacker at 6-2, 234 pounds and recorded a 4.64 40-yard dash with 34 1/4-inch arms. He has good burst with his first step, and he can close ground quickly. Liufau plays with an aggressive, thumping mentality, something the Cowboys could use in their front seven. He is solid when blitzing and is willing to put his body on the line to make a play. Liufau makes good use of his hands on tight ends in press man coverage off the line of scrimmage. 

He can sometimes overrun plays, and he could do a better job wrapping up to tackle instead of pritorizing the big hit. Jerry Jones is trusting new defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer to coach Liufau up to sand off his rough edges. He took some advice from his cousin, Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, about how to adjust to NFL life. Not bad a person to have as a sounding board in the NFL's rookie catches (105) and receiving yards record holder (1,486).

Trapasso grade: C+

"Hair-on-fire off-ball LB who gets the expected results with that style. Many missed tackles. Many highlight-reel hits. Showed he can cover underneath. Plays faster than his workout. More build-up speed than pure burst. Ball skills are lacking and can be easily baited by play-action. Plus blitzer. Fun add here but overaggression hurts him at times." 

Cowboys select Wake Forest CB Caelen Carson at No. 174

Caelen Carson possesses decent NFL cornerback measurables (6 feet tall while weighing 199 pounds with 31 3/8" arm length), and the fluidity in his hips allows him to remain stride for stride in coverage. Carson does well surveying route progressions in zone coverage and has the anticipatory skills to deflect passes (29 passes defended, including eight in 2023). 

Carson saw a lot of time as an inside corner, making him an ideal player to learn from Jourdan Lewis as a rookie. Only having three career collegiate interceptions and none since his sophomore year in 2021 is a slight concern. He missed the Senior Bowl with a foot injury, but he should be a full offseason participant. If he can improve on his ball skills and be a little more consistent in coverage, he can play either inside or outside corner with some upside as a potential starter down the road. 

Trapasso grade:  B+

"Smaller outside CB with just enough quicks to scoot inside if he needs to. Instincts are there. Quicker than fast. And some stiffness appears on film when getting out of his backpedal to change directions. Sound tackler. Not a standout trait type but does everything well." 

Cowboys select Southeast Missouri State WR Ryan Flournoy at No. 216

Southeast Missouri State wide receiver Ryan Flournoy, a two-time Ohio Valley Conference first team selection, dominated at the NFL Scouting Combine, registering a 4.44 40-yard dash with a vertical jump of 39.5 inches and an 11-foot broad jump while standing at 6'1, 202 pounds. 

Flournoy is a prototypical outside receiver with strong physical traits. He's a downfield playmaker, but it can take him a little time to accelerate down the sideline. Flournoy is a long strider, and he is a yards-after-catch threat because defensive backs need to really smack him on the catch to bring him down on their first attempt. He won't win right away off the line of scrimmage because he can struggle to drop his hips and explode out of his breaks. Flournoy is athletic enough to evolve those skillsets in the NFL, and he is adept at making catches away from his body. He could start out as deep ball receiver and look to build out his route tree from there. 

Trapasso grade:  A

"Big, chiseled vertical threat who makes it a nightmare for DBs to corral him once he gets the ball in his hands. While he's not incredibly sudden, he is a horse in space. Back-shoulder skill is there. Love this pick."

Cowboys select Louisiana OT Nathan Thomas at No. 233

Nathan Thomas is built like a prototypical offensive tackle, standing at 6-foot-5 while weighing 332 pounds. His 33 3/4-inch arms allow him to redirect defenders with his strength and upper-body leverage. Thomas moves well in zone-based run concepts. He can be late at times to anchor in pass protection, but his natural strength is such that he can negate that issue with his own power. Thomas could do a better job of staying under control when out in space in the run game, and he could improve at his blocking pursuit in the second level of the defense. Thomas exclusively played left tackle in college, so he doesn't have interior experience at the college level. 

Thomas' technique needs refinement, but his agility and natural strength helps him mitigate his fundamental issues. The pure power he plays with may translate better at guard than tackle if Thomas doesn't correct his technique. 

"No-nonsense power blocker with serious girth and starting caliber length to stay at OT in the NFL," Trapasso said. "Not a high-level athlete but wins with initial quicks and a deft utilization of his length to get into DLs in a flash. Recovery want-to is there. One of my favorite blockers in the class."

Cowboys select Auburn DT Justin Rogers at No. 244

Justin Rogers plays defensive tackle like you would like someone who stands at 6 feet, two-and-a-half inches while weighing 330 pounds: BIG. Opposing offensive linemen struggle with moving him out of their ball carrier's way once he anchors down at his spot. Rogers doesn't have the best lateral movement, but he can move other people up front with ease. He isn't the longest player (32 3/4-inch arms), but Rogers is wide enough to be a stopper against the run on early downs. 

Trapasso grade: C

"Classic block-eating nose tackle," Trapasso said. "Knows how to handle doubles and will occasionally make a play against the run. Lacks the burst, length, or hand work to win routinely up the field." 

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