Neil Back

Backy: Lions to finish on a high

Fri Jul 03 02:03PM

Despite the defeats, the Lions played so well in the first two Tests that they must have a chance of finishing their tour on a high with a victory against the Boks on Saturday.

The second Test was a truly fantastic match, and the Lions produced a fantastic performance. I thought they had done enough to hold on at the end but the Boks showed again what a great side they are.

I think the Boks are a better team than the one we faced in 1997 when the Lions last won a series. The Lions have pushed them all the way but when we look back the record books will show that they won the series, and that's really all that counts.

But the Lions will go into Saturday's game knowing they were not far off in either Test and this will give them a lot of confidence.

Yes they are missing several key players to injury, but I think competition for places on this tour has been so strong that they will be able to cope with the absences. The changes they have made look sensible to me and I think there is a good balance to the side.

I don't think for one minute that the Boks have been disrespectful to the Lions by making sweeping changes to their starting XV. They have won the series and have every right to look at new faces with a view to building for the Tri-Nations and 2011 World Cup.

It is still a very good side the Boks will be putting out and the Lions will have to be at their very best to end their run of eight consecutive Test defeats.

Nor do I think the Lions concept has been damaged by losing the series. If anything it is stronger because they have shown British and Irish rugby in such a positive light - against considerable odds.

Will the Boks take their foot off the pedal slightly now that the series is over? Maybe subconsciously, but they are such a proud nation that they will still be doing everything they can to whitewash the Lions.

But I absolutely believe the Lions have a chance of ending the tour with a victory. As long as they keep playing the way they have then at some stage a win must come, and hopefully that will be at Ellis Park.

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