Double Lions tourist Jason Robinson has reminded Lions supporters across Britain and Ireland that this summer’s tour of South Africa will be just as special for the hosts as it will be for the visitors.
Robinson toured with the Lions to Australia in 2001 and New Zealand in 2005 and the former rugby league star knows that the Lions’ first visit to South Africa in 12 years will hold huge significance for the Springboks and their supporters.
"The South Africans also know it’s special for them," Robinson, who scored 11 tries in 10 games for the Lions, told Emerald Rugby.
"If they can beat the Lions then that’s something not many people can say.
"I spoke to Bryan Habana about three months ago and they’re looking forward to this so much because they realise that this is a once in a career thing for the Lions to be in South Africa.
"They’ve seen it in the past but never experienced it as players and them being the current world champions just brings an extra spice to the whole thing."
Having failed to experience a series win on either of his two Lions tours, Robinson believes this year’s crop of Lions have what it takes to turn things around.
The 34-year-old feels the Lions have the necessary physicality among the forward pack and the required pace out wide to defeat the Springboks, even though it will be a far from easy task.
"South Africa are a very physical team so while you need a balance between forwards and backs, that contact area is vital and I think that with the forwards the Lions have it is right that we stamp our authority on the game and say ‘don’t think you’re just going to bully us’.
"That’s what South Africa do to other teams and then they get the likes of Habana running out wide with plenty of space.
"You look at guys like Shane Williams, Luke Fitzgerald and Brian O’Driscoll, you’ve got guys there who are able to do the damage when you get that quick ball."
