British and Irish Lions captain Alun Wyn Jones wants to maintain the tempo of the game and urged his players to engage less with under-prepared South Africa.
He will talk less to referee Mathieu Raynal and has urged his players to avoid scuffles with South Africa that will slow down the play in their series decider with the Springboks in Cape Town on Saturday.
Last weekend’s second Test lasted more than two hours with breaks in play due to confrontations among the players, injuries and Television Match Official referrals, which played into the hands of the Boks as they ran away comprehensive 27-9 winners.
With the home side’s preparations for the series having been severely disrupted by a COVID-19 outbreak in their squad that meant many of their leading players couldn’t train, the Lions should have the edge in fitness and the greater vigour for the closing stages of the game.
That is if they can avoid the multiple stoppages that allowed the Boks to catch their breath in the second Test.
“I won’t be talking to the referee unless I have to and they (scuffles) always happen but you don’t want to entertain them. It is not a case of taking a step back, but just an awareness of keeping the game flowing,” Jones told reporters.
“We want to maintain the tempo of the game. We should stay away from anything that might slow us down from getting to the next set.”
He conceded he was unsure if there will be more running rugby in the third Test after the first two encounters were dominated by kicking.
“It has the potential to be that way, sometimes finals can be attritional, but they can open up as well. I would like to think we are prepared for both. We don’t want to stifle ourselves with too much reliance on the kicking game,” Jones said.
“It’s a balance and that’s something that we probably didn’t have last week in the second half. We have to have the ability to play both ways and be ready for both (from the Boks).”
As for where the Lions need to improve for the decider, Jones is clear in his mind.
“Simplicity, discipline and accuracy…and to display the energy that we have shown throughout the tour,” he said.
Ex force fan
Guest
Don’t expect a free flowing game. Officials will let nothing go for the fear of getting something wrong, Interesting that Rassie’s lawyer denied that he leaked the famous 62 minute video to the media. He claims that he used the official channels to submit the video to the referees and World Rugby. If true, those that jumped to conclusions in the past week will have egg on their face and my follow their own advice to apologise. I’ll wait for the hearing before I draw any conclusions as I am sure there are many things that are important but not yet in the public domain.
Mungo69
Roar Rookie
Lets hope the referee is on board with getting the game moving. The first time either side ignores the call to "use it" they should be penalised. Similarly, if a trainer runs out without water or loiters on the field after being told to leave, penalise them. Unfortunately the officials in this series have lost the respect of both teams and now have to earn it back by taking action. Added bonus is they will have a starring role in Rassie's next production.
Bodger
Roar Rookie
The stop start in the last match was ridiculous. The Lions need to up the tempo this match and the ref needs to grow a pair and keep the game going. The Lions should be able to bring this home in the second half if the ref keeps the game going.
Harry Jones
Expert
Funny
Adsa
Roar Rookie
Compare his leadership to the whiny Kolisi "i was not respected!" Boo hoo hoo. Pathetic.
CPM
Roar Rookie
Yeah right. After talking Berry’s ear off on their first date, and then after charging a whole 5 meters to grab and scuffle Mapimpi to assert his dominance at the very first ruck of a match.
GibbonRib
Roar Rookie
It's not his fault that they all so much want to talk to him. It would be rude of him to just dismiss them without a few pleasantries like so many stuck up celebrities do.
Flyman
Roar Rookie
AW Jones talking less to the officials? That will be a first of note!