A much-desired winning start for the British & Irish Lions in Gauteng next weekend is less than a fait accompli. Rob Houwing explains.

Safe prediction? “Lions win” at Ellis Park next Saturday… something that will only be proved wide of the mark in that reasonably uncommon rugby event of a draw.
You can venture that with some conviction, of course… given the quirky event of Lions playing Lions.
The British and Irish Lions opening their 2021 tour account against the Johannesburg-based Emirates Lions might make for some challenging marketing/promotion of the fixture – or perhaps not at all? – but it could also be a more intriguing, competitive scrap than some anticipate.