Lions make the step up

IF THIS was supposed to be a step up in class, then the British & Irish Lions coped with it admirably. They met fire with fire, kept their try-line intact for the first time on tour and strode majestically forward towards next week’s first Test at the same venue.

Throughout the opening weeks of the tour, Ian McGeechan has warned that the challenges will just get tougher as his side moves towards the three-test series with the Boks. This was supposed to be a proving ground for Paul O’Connell’s men, and they proved a lot.

Never mind that the reigning Currie Cup champions were missing up to 10 players through Springbok calls. The vast majority of the side they turned out were Super 14 players and their pack was close to full strength.