The British and Irish Lions fell to the first defeat of their tour as South Africa ‘A’ landed a psychological blow ahead of the Test series by registering a 17-13 victory at Cape Town Stadium.
A match billed as an unofficial fourth Test due to Rassie Erasmus picking a shadow Springbok side containing seven starters from the 2019 World Cup final and 522 caps, delivered on expectations.
Despite the disruption caused by their Covid outbreak that forced the entire squad to self-isolate, South Africa were dominant in a first-half they finished 17-3 ahead with Sbu Nkosi and Lukhanyo Am scoring tries.
The Lions fought back with a forward-led assault on the line that saw de Klerk punished with a yellow card for a desperate no-arms tackle and then openside Marco van Staden follow him into the sin-bin for dangerous play.
Yet despite their extra numbers, Gatland’s side could not breach the whitewash and after waves of pick-and-goes, they conceded a penalty for a double movement.
Finally they crossed four minutes after the interval when Jones burrowed over from close range as South Africa’s 13 men were stretched to breaking point. Unfortunately for Jones, he then departed with what appeared to be a shoulder injury.
De Klerk and Van Staden returned to a different game as the Lions poured forward at every opportunity and trailed just 17-13 heading into the final quarter.
Morne Steyn missed a penalty and drop-goal and a cagey finished ended with the Lions attempting a late salvage operation that fell short.
