So much riding on one game

THIS is it. A week before schedule, the point of no return has been reached. A victory for the Springboks would signal mission accomplished and they could even make wholesale changes for the third and final test, downgrading its importance.

A win for the British and Irish Lions at Loftus Versfeld and the final week becomes seriously focused and intense. One game and the road to immortality beckons. Defeat today, however, and the final test becomes an intolerable burden, just like that dreadful third/fourth place playoff the authorities insist goes ahead when you’ve lost the semi-final of a World Cup.

With no midweek game to focus the minds of at least half of the party, it becomes difficult. Prior to travelling, Brian O’Driscoll said he had no interest in being selected for the Lions on this tour if it didn’t result in a test series victory. While he has done everything humanly possible on this journey to deliver that outcome, he, like the rest of the back line, is totally dependent today on the performance of his front five.