A rollicking read and a mighty achievement' - Donald McRae, The
Guardian
'Magnificent' - Owen Slot, The Times
The 1997 British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa is one of the most
iconic in rugby history. Written off at home and abroad, Martin
Johnson's men were given no hope of success against the world champion
Springboks in their own backyard. But a combination of brilliant
coaching, astute selections and outstanding players laid the foundations
for the touring side's outstanding attacking mindset and brutal
stonewall defence.
On the other side was a team expected to stamp their authority on the
tourists and confirm their place as the best side on the planet. But
with political, racial and economic scandals swirling around the
Springbok camp, plus a rookie coach parachuted into office just before
the tour began, the hosts were under huge pressure.
In a Test series that will go down in legend as one of the most
compelling of all time, the sides could barely be separated. This is the
inside story from both camps as they battle for supremacy, lifting the
lid like never before as a huge cast of characters look back on those
extraordinary weeks and the impact it had on their lives and careers
thereafter. Hilarious, insightful and spine-chilling, Tom English and
Peter Burns provide the perfect read for all Lions fans.
