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You had to wonder what the atmosphere would have been like with 55,000 fans, roaring on their respective sides

Courtney Lawes, who was outstanding throughout for the British & Irish Lions, hands off South Africa’s Siya Kolisi during the 1st Test at Cape Town Stadium. Picture: David Rogers

Sun, 25 Jul, 2021 - 19:24

A rugby player, coach and manager during a glittering career with Munster, Ireland and the Lions and now a definitive voice in Irish rugby analysis and commentary.

With the Lions clinging desperately to a five point lead in the dying minutes of this captivating opening series clash, you had to wonder what the atmosphere would have been like with 55,000 fans, roaring on their respective sides.

While it may not have been aesthetically pleasing, the sheer intensity of the battle, the physicality of the hits and the relentless endeavour shown by both sides, with some punishing defensive shifts thrown in for good measure, marked it out as a true test in every sense of the word.