The Lions’ serene progress towards the Test series was shattered on Wednesday as they ran into a damaging world-champion ambush here which left their unbeaten tour record in ruins.
A powerful, resilient Springboks side masquerading as South Africa ‘A’ lowered the tourists’ colours in a result of vast significance for the serious business to come – masterminded from pitch-side by Rassie Erasmus, the architect of the 2019 World Cup triumph.
After three easy tour wins thus far, each yielding a half-century of points in their favour, the Lions faced their first real test which was very much a full Test and they could not handle the step up in intensity and class.
The Lions look dejected after losing to South Africa A in their tour match in Cape Town
This was the Boks – sorry, South Africa ‘A’ – after minimal preparation time. This was what they could achieve after they spent the best part of a week in total lockdown due to a COVID outbreak in their squad.
Just imagine what they could be capable of if they are able to avoid any further positive cases and welcome back captain Siya Kolisi and others from isolation to restore them to full strength. The Lions could deploy a very different team on July 24, but so could their rivals.
A good news day turned into a bad-news night. Hours after the return of ‘Lazarus’ skipper Alun Wyn Jones was duly confirmed – and after Gregor Townsend and Stuart Hogg had belatedly rejoined the main tour party from Johannesburg – this was a come-down occasion.
On top of the defeat itself, Gatland was left to fret on injury scares involving Liam Williams and the best performer on the night – Wales prop Wyn Jones.
Before kick-off, the Lions were forced into late changes to their line-up for this fixture.
Dan Biggar had ‘rolled his ankle’ in training the previous day so, with the Test series approaching, Warren Gatland opted to replace the Welshman who is favourite to wear the No 10 shirt. England captain Owen Farrell was brought in to take over the playmaker duties.
Lukhanyo Am (centre) darts past the challenges of two Lions players on his way to scoring
Lukhanyo Am (No 13) is congratulated by team-mate Franco Mostert after scoring a try
There was also a back-three reshuffle as Wales wing Josh Adams was withdrawn from the match in order to stay on a Zoom link to join the birth of his daughter from afar.
His absence meant that compatriot Liam Williams was drafted into the Lions side but he did not last long.
The Scarlets full-back appeared to go over painfully on his ankle when he was tackled after claiming a high ball early on and he was helped off soon afterwards, with Elliot Daly sent on to take his place.
By then, the writing was already on the wall as South Africa ‘A’ had started strongly and almost had a try within five minutes as Faf de Klerk’s long pass sent Sbu Nkosi over in the left corner.
Referee Jaco Peyper thought he had scored but replays showed Anthony Watson’s tackle had forced him into touch just before he touched down.
Owen Farrell and Co congratulate Wyn Jones (centre) after scoring the Lions’ first try
The Lions then came agonisingly close to scoring again through Louis Rees-Zammit
Gatland faced an anxious wait in the second half after Anthony Watson picked up an injury
Still, a Morne Steyn penalty made it 3-0 to the hosts and they continued to dominate in most areas, belying fears that they would be rusty.
When the Lions threatened soon after from an attacking lineout, Franco Mostert snuffed out the danger by winning a breakdown penalty. South Africa ‘A’ were physically eclipsing their rivals time and time again.
In the 13th minute, they extended their lead. The Lions were attacking inside the opposition half but Farrell’s attempted cross-kick to the right was charged down by Eben Etzebeth and the ball fell to Damian De Allende.
He released Nkosi, who surged away to strike from long-range, for a try which Steyn converted.
Farrell endured another glaring lapse soon after as he missed a touch-finder by some distance when the Lions were awarded an attacking penalty.
Just before the half-hour, his first successful shot at goal brought the visitors their first three points of the night, but instead of sparking a comeback, they went further behind.
Tom Curry (middle) makes a break for it while being chased by South African players
Referee Jaco Peyper (right) watches over a scrum during the Lions’ clash with South Africa A
Taulupe Faletau (right) of the British & Irish Lions in action against South Africa A in Cape Town
A clearance kick by Daly fell to Cheslin Kolbe and Toulouse’s electric wing delivered a jolting shock to the British and Irish system as he glided around Chris Harris and tied Louis Rees-Zammit in knots with a dummied pass and burst of pace. Kolbe ran on and his off-load sent home captain Lukhanyo Am away to the line. Again Steyn converted and South Africa A were two full scores ahead.
Late in the first half, the Lions pounded forward in search of a riposte and their route-one approach brought them agonisingly close to a try, without quite managing it. It also brought two yellow cards for their opponents as first De Klerk and then Marco van Staden were dispatched to the sin-bin.
After the break, Gatland’s men made the numerical advantage count. Wales prop Wyn Jones had been held up fractionally short three times already but in the 44th minute he forced his way over to claim the try he so richly deserved for a sterling performance.
However, as if to sum up a tough night, he retreated to halfway clutching his right shoulder, was briefly treated and then departed barely a minute later.
Farrell’s conversion and a subsequent penalty left the match poised at 17-13. The Lions were close, but never came close enough to turn the tables.
South Africa’s Sbu Nkosi kicks the ball down field but is challenged by the Lions
The two teams played out the warm-up encounter in front of no fans at the Cape Town Stadium