Erasmus expects change of plans by Lions
WARREN GATLAND has South Africa fearing an ambush when his British and Irish Lions arrive for this summer’s Test series.
Rassie Erasmus (above), who coached the Springboks to World Cup glory in their last game against England 18 months ago, does not believe the tourists are preparing solely for a battle of muscle.
“The way Warren has picked this side and his support staff, the way he has selected his squad, his back line and with (attack coach) Gregor Townsend in there, he has something up his sleeve,” said Erasmus.
“I don’t think we will see this battle of attrition and grinding it out like in the World Cup. He has other plans.
“Warren knows the pitfalls of getting guys aligned quickly.
“I think we will see a change in his game plan, but I’m not sure. He might just be throwing us some bait.”
Erasmus has confirmed that the Springboks squad will be fully vaccinated in time for the series. DARTS BY MIKE WAlTERS JONNY CLAYTON celebrated his maiden Unibet Premier League darts crown aged 46 – by immediately aiming for a world title before he turns 50.
The popular plasterer (above) has taken inspiration from Wayne Warren, who became the oldest world champion last year, aged 57.
And he got more motivation when Phil Mickelson won golf’s US PGA earlier this month after reaching 50.
Clayton, who beat Jose de Sousa 11-5 in Friday’s final, said: “I take inspiration from both of them.”
BRITAIN’S Scott Redding defied his own tyre fears by storming to the first World Superbike race win of the weekend in Portugal yesterday.
Meanwhile, championship leader Fabio Quartararo shattered the Mugello lap record to claim MotoGP Italian Grand Prix pole.
But the day was marred by a horror crash (above) that hospitalised Swiss Moto3 rider Jason Dupasquier, after a collision with Ayumu Sasaki.
CYClING
EGAN BERNAL is odds on for the Giro d’Italia title after second place in yesterday’s penultimate race.
Rival Damiano Caruso won the 20th stage but Ineos Grenadiers rider Bernal still has an overall lead of one minute and 59 seconds. Brit Simon Yates was sixth but appears out of it.