- Sharks 31-71 Lions
- Two tries each for Watson, George and Beirne
These remain uncertain days for the British & Irish Lions, despite a second heavy sandbagging of the Sharks in four days. The first Test against the Springboks, scarily, is now less than a fortnight away and scoring 11 tries against opponents reduced to 14 men for much of the second half is not much of a barometer for what lies ahead.
There are also a few niggling injury issues to complicate Warren Gatland’s plans, the latest necessitating the abrupt call-up of Harlequins’ Marcus Smith as cover for Finn Russell. The Scotland fly-half has damaged his achilles tendon and looks extremely doubtful for the start of a Test series which is going to be an entirely different plate of biltong. “We’re well aware how tough the Springboks are going to be and the physicality they’re going to bring,” warned Gatland. “It’s going to be tough for us and we probably haven’t been tested for 80 minutes like we need to be.”
Written by Robert Kitson
This news first appeared on https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2021/jul/10/sharks-british-and-irish-lions-rugby-union-match-report under the title “Anthony Watson turns on the style to help Lions polish off 14-man Sharks”. Bolchha Nepal is not responsible or affiliated towards the opinion expressed in this news article.
