[imagesource: SuperSport]

The 2021 British & Irish Lions tour of South Africa will be remembered both for the off-field drama and the remarkable physicality of the battles on the pitch.

Once Rassie Erasmus’ video criticising the performance of Nic Berry, the referee in the first test match, was made public, we knew the tour would never be the same.

A stunning comeback double act secured a 2-1 series win, causing bitter scribes around the world to pen lazy attacks on Rassie and the Springboks, but as per usual our Director of Rugby (and waterboy par excellence) had the last laugh.

Rassie strenuously denied that he had anything to do with the Berry video being leaked during his March interview with The Daily Mail, and he also hinted that there are two sides to every story.

From the producers of Chasing the Sun comes Two Sides, a three-part SuperSport series that “tells the story of the tour by The British & Irish Lions that was punctuated by drama, struggle and triumph”:

Through collective will from both sides, this tour endured health protocols, empty stands, civil unrest and a controversy that rocked the very foundations of World Rugby.

Along the way, Two Sides emphasises the importance of keeping sporting traditions alive, because they matter to players, coaches and their families. And the fans who find a way to be a part of each collision.

With unprecedented access to both teams, their families and their change-room in the midst of an unforgettable series, Two Sides is a story of considerable sacrifice, a tale of redemption and glory, and the unflinching will that keeps the things that matter going, even when everything says they shouldn’t.

Thankfully, judging by the blurb and the trailer, the video controversy is only part of what will make this such compelling viewing.

In fact, just to have the series go ahead in the first place was a major victory for SA Rugby after a series of logistical hurdles had to be navigated.

Roll tape:

On May 15, the first episode of Two Sides will air on DStv. The remaining episodes will be broadcast on May 22 and May 29.

Clearly, the success of Chasing the Sun has shown there’s a market for local sporting stories. Hot off the heels of MAP1MP1, Springbok fans are licking their lips:

Later in 2022, SuperSport will lift the lid on “Rassie”, which for the first time tells the full – and astonishing – story of Rassie Erasmus’ rise from the backwaters of the Eastern Cape to the top of the rugby world.

Ah, yes – I’m sure that’s where we’ll get into the nitty-gritty of the infamous video.

[source:supersport]