The touring British and Irish Lions will arrive in South Africa to a country wracked by a new wave of Covid-19 infections, facing harsher lockdown restrictions and opponents who have reported their first cases of the coronavirus.
British and Irish Lions head coach Warren Gatland Photo: PHOTOSPORT
SA Rugby, however, moved to allay fears of any threat to the tour, which already bears no resemblance to the festive atmosphere which has been a hallmark of the four-yearly Lions experience.
The first tour to South Africa since 2009 is condemned to being played in empty stadiums, without any spectators never mind the red-clad touring hordes the Lions traditional bring with them.
Instead of safari drives, pub tours and traditional outdoor barbecues, the Lions face being cloistered in hotels for the entire eight-match, six-week tour.
The Springboks celebrate winning the 2019 Rugby World Cup. Photo: Photosport
South Africa's world champion Springboks have moved into a bio-secure bubble but three players tested positive when they arrived on Saturday to continue preparations for the three-test series. The team cancelled a planned training session on Sunday.
Scrumhalf Herschel Jantjies, prop Vincent Koch and winger Sbu Nkosi were named as the three players but South Africa's director of rugby Rassie Erasmus said it would not impact on the tour.
"I don't think it's a big cause for concern but we want to keep everybody as safe as possible," he said.
Both Johannesburg and Pretoria, where the Lions play their first three matches against provincial opposition, are the grip of a third wave of the pandemic with further lockdown restrictions expected when President Cyril Ramaphosa will address the nation.
Murray relishing responsibility of leading Lions in South Africa
Ireland halfback Conor Murray, who was named British and Irish Lions captain following an injury to Alun Wyn Jones, said it was disappointing to lose their regular skipper but backed himself to shoulder the responsibility on their tour of South Africa.
Lions halfback Connor Murray Photo: Photosport
Jones, who was set to go on his fourth tour, dislocated his shoulder early in the Lions 28-10 win over Japan while flanker Justin Tipuric was also ruled out. The pair were replaced by Welshmen Adam Beard and Josh Navidi.
The Lions are set for an eight-match tour, including three tests against world champions South Africa from 3 July to 7 August.
"We're very disappointed to lose Alun Wyn. He's been brilliant for the first two weeks. I've known him from the past two tours and he's been incredible. It's a huge loss."
Murray said it was "surreal" when coach Warren Gatland asked him to captain the side. The 32-year-old added that he would work with the likes of England skipper Owen Farrell and Ireland's Robbie Henshaw to ease himself into his new role.
"I still don't have my head around it but it's something that's an unbelievable honour, it's something I never thought would be possible," Murray added.
"What puts me at ease is that we have such a good leadership group that it means I can continue being myself. There will be a bit more responsibility, but I don't think it should change anything around the camp.
"That's one of the most important things - that I remain myself and I assume that's why Warren asked me to do it."
Murray said one of the key qualities needed to succeed as captain was to effectively communicate with the team.
"Your messaging has to be well thought out... In my career I suppose when I do speak it's thought out. It might not be that often but it definitely has meaning and there's thought behind it, and a genuineness to it," he said.
"I've been lucky enough to experience a lot of leaders and they always bring it back to who you're trying to make proud and what you're here for. Driving that message is important."
- Reuters