James Haskell warns Lions they were ‘very lucky’ to beat South Africa and predicts a response from Springboks
James Haskell has warned the British and Irish Lions they were ‘lucky’ to beat South Africa in Cape Town after a stirring second half fight back secured a famous 22-17 first Test victory.
Trailing 12-3 at the interval after being picked apart by the boot of Handre Pollard, the Lions came alive as a Luke Cowan-Dickie try ignited a fightback that was completed by the boots of Dan Biggar and Owen Farrell.
South Africa were playing only their second international since lifting the 2019 World Cup but there was little sign of rustiness as their simple gameplan based around territory and forcing penalties initially unfolded as planned.
A fractured build-up that forced the entire Springboks squad to self-isolate for six days as well as key players such as Siya Kolisi and Pollard testing positive for coronavirus had no apparent impact as they played to their strengths beautifully.
It was often an ugly spectacle and at times the Lions looked slightly lost, failing to gain a meaningful foothold up-front and with half-backs Ali Price and Biggar unable to provide direction.
The momentum had now swung totally towards the tourists and for the first time they were ahead courtesy of Biggar's boot, setting up nail-biting climax.
Nerves frayed once more when only a Cheslin Kolbe knock-on saw a Damian De Allende try chalked off and it was Farrell who had the final say.
When asked what the tourists had to do better, Haskell wanted to see ball carriers getting lower and tacklers following suit.
He added: “We have to lower our body height in the tackles, keep the energy and levels high.
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“Courtney Lawes was doing it, but he was sometimes the only guy doing it and wrapping round the legs.
“We have to look at how we carry the ball into the contact before next weekend.”