Warren Gatland says Lions can be legends like 1997 heroes but warns he could ring changes for second South Africa test
WARREN GATLAND warned South Africa his Lions can get even better and become legends like the Class of ’97.
But the boss could still ring the changes despite a sensational 22-17 comeback win in the First Test.
Gatland’s men are on the brink of their first series victory in the Rainbow Nation since Martin Johnson’s side won their opening two Tests here 24 years ago.
It would also be the Lions’ first win since Australia 2013 and Gatland wants his stars to enjoy the pressure of taking down the reigning world champions.
Ahead of a key selection meeting on Sunday night, the Lions king said: “You’ve got to embrace that expectation.
“I get incredibly excited about these big games, finals and Test series, because I love seeing the desire of the top players – how much they want to win these big matches.
“It’s about that ability to get yourself in the right state emotionally and it’s about how much you want it and what it means to you, to go to another level of competing.
“It will be about that this week. Test match rugby is about that.
Hopefully, we will have won the series by next week
Warren Gatland
“There is an expectation and we should embrace that expectation and expect ourselves to improve from the first Test. Hopefully, we will have won the series by next week.
“I would love to win the Test series this week and take the pressure off, but with South Africa you know it’s going to be another tight contest.
“We think there is another level in us.”
Fly-half Dan Biggar, who kicked 14 points in the First Test win, has a concussion with Owen Farrell ready to step in.
Gatland said: “The selection was really tough. A lot of players put their hands up.
“The first thing is to pick the team and hopefully get it right.”
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After poking the Springboks last week by claiming the Lions had dented their ego, Gatland kept turning the heat up.
He added: “They are going to be incredibly desperate.
“It’s hard for them because they have a model that has been successful through a World Cup. We’ll wait and see.”
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