Former Springbok captain John Smit believes the British & Irish Lions tour has become more prestigious in the modern game compared to the amateur days. With international teams playing more matches in the professional era - the Boks will play 11 Tests before embarking on their year-end tour to Europe in 2021 - Smit was probed whether it was still special to play against the Lions. "I think it has become more special," Smit responded. It's much harder to play against the Lions than it is to make a World Cup." Due to Covid-19, the Boks haven't played any Test rugby since their World Cup in 2019 and Smit admitted he wasn't sure what to expect from the team in the Lions series.

Source: News 24 June 01, 2021 16:52 UTC