Lions

Lions rugby tour in jeopardy as coronavirus cases spike in South Africa and Britain

Kiwi coach Warren Gatland was due to guide the Lions in eight games in South Africa – including three tests against the world champion Springboks in July and early August.

However, new strains of Covid-19 infection rates in both South Africa and Britain and Ireland and ongoing international travel restrictions mean the tournament is now in jeopardy.

Lions managing director Ben Calveley said the Lions board would monitor the situation at meetings in January and February before making a final decision.

Four lions being treated for Covid-19 at Spanish zoo

Three females named Zala, Nima and Run Run and one male called Kiumbe were tested after displaying mild symptoms.

Two staff members also tested positive for the virus, the zoo said.

An investigation is under way to establish how the animals became infected, but it is thought they may have been in contact with an asymptomatic member of staff.

Zookeepers reportedly carried out a standard PCR swab test on the four lions - the same method used on humans - because they are comfortable having close contact with staff.

Julian Savea gets the nod for Lions' position switch to further his transition

The Lions will be hoping to bounce back after suffering a 34 – 18 loss to Hawke’s Bay a week ago, which also cost them a chance at the Ranfurly Shield.

Head coach, Leo Crowley, says whilst the team was disappointed at that result, this week poses new challenges and so they have had to bury the hatchet and move on.

“The mindset this week is to beat Manawatu and remain in the premiership. It can be nothing else. This competition is so tight you can be near the top one week and bottom the next,” he said.

Lions outclass Auckland

Eight days after being humbled 52-28 by Waikato, the Lions have outclassed Auckland 39-21, outscoring their hosts six tries to three.

Wellington took charge in the first half, with Vince Aso, Wes Goosen, Peter Umaga-Jensen, Billy Proctor and Pepesana Patafilo scoring tries to take a 29-14 halftime lead.

Aso then sealed the win with his second try late in the match.

New All Blacks squad member Caleb Clarke, Jonathan Ruru and Leni Apisai scored Auckland's tries.

Lions nap on road during South African lockdown

Park ranger Richard Sowry was out on patrol on Wednesday when he snapped a pride sleeping on a road which would normally be busy with tourists.

But Kruger, like other wildlife parks, has been shut since 25 March as part of the coronavirus lockdown.

Big cats would usually only be seen by rangers on the roads by night.

As a ranger in one of Africa's largest game reserves, Mr Sowry performs an essential service and continues to work during the lockdown, checking on the wildlife and guarding against poachers.

Lions coach suggests All Blacks 'decider' for warm-up

Gatland, 56, was in charge as the Lions and the All Blacks drew their three-Test series in New Zealand in 2017.

The former Wales coach says a fourth fixture could help rugby to generate revenue after the coronavirus crisis.

"It's potentially an opportunity to make four or five million pounds," Gatland told Sky Sport.

Ahead of next summer's tour, he raised the prospect of a meeting with the All Blacks as preparation, saying he had already spoken with NZ Rugby chief executive Mark Robinson about a game with the New Zealand Maori.

Super Rugby final: 'I'm really confident we will have a full house'

The Crusaders will face off against the South African Lions tomorrow night, but the competition has already faced its fair share of controversy over seat sales - and (as of last night) tickets are still available for the final.

But Crusaders chief executive Hamish Riach said he expected this final to be a sell-out, with, as of last night, only a few hundred seats left.

"They are looking really good - we will sell this game out.

"They are still steadily going out the door, so I'm really confident we will have a full house on Saturday night."

Lions due good to go for final

Springbok wing Dyantyi scored a brilliant solo try in the Lions' 44-26 semi-final win over the Waratahs in Johannesburg on Saturday, but left the field at halftime with a hamstring complaint.

He has been included in the 25-man party to make the journey to New Zealand though, along with loose-forward Brink, who missed the semi-final with an arm injury.

The powerful Brink has been a stand-out performer this season in the place of injured former skipper Jaco Kriel and both he and Dyantyi are likely to start the decider against the Crusaders.

Ben Lam bags hat-trick in Hurricanes' scrappy win over Lions

The 26-year-old winger brought his season's tally to 12, adding two second-half tries to his seventh-minute opener.

Lam's first try gave the Hurricanes an up-tempo start to the game in blustery, swirling conditions at Westpac Stadium on Saturday.

Both teams were guilty of coughing up possession too easily, but it was the Hurricanes who made the most of their chances.

The late loss of Jordie Barrett to an ankle injury didn't affect their running game, with Nehe Milner-Skudder slotting in at fullback in his second game after returning from shoulder surgery.

Lions' Smith hit with four-week ban

The flanker caught Havili in the air when he jumped to meet a high ball and sent his opponent spinning to the turf, earning him a red card shortly before half-time.

Lions went on to lose 25-17 at Ellis Park, and Smith pleaded guilty to a SANZAAR charge.

SANZAAR consequently released a statement confirmed a four-week suspension for Smith up to and including September 2, meaning he will be unavailable for Lions' first four Currie Cup matches.

 

 

Photo by Getty Images.Caption: Kwagga Smith catches David Havili in the air