Beefy Botha stuck on blue-eyed boy Philips

TRADITIONALLY A Lions team could expect to be softened up by a physical going-over in the early stages of a tour

TRADITIONALLY A Lions team could expect to be softened up by a physical going-over in the early stages of a tour. Times have changed, however, and in the age of the metrosexual more subtle intimidation is being employed.

Yesterday Lions scrumhalf Mike Phillips lifted the lid on the devious tactics employed by the Springboks on their way to their first Test victory last Saturday, and in particular their self-proclaimed enforcer, Bakkies Botha.

“There was a lot of talk on the pitch and Bakkies Botha paid me so much attention I thought he fancied me,” said Phillips, who had been identified by the Springboks as one of the Lions’ danger men. “He went on about my sexy blue eyes and I was too stunned to respond initially.

“He was trying to put me off but I enjoy confrontation like that. We have to stand up to them and not take a backward step. A few years ago, I would have reacted in the wrong way, but I have grown up as a player and they will not blur my focus.”

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It is all a far cry from the 1974 tour when at the cry of “99” every Lions player had to turn round and punch the opponent nearest to him. Now, multiple camera angles and citing officers have cleaned up the game.

South Africa hooker Bismarck du Plessis also had a lot to say for himself in Durban, but when asked what advice he was imparting he replied: “What’s said on the field, stays on the field.”

Nevertheless, South Africa warned the Lions there would be more to come in tomorrow’s second Test in Pretoria.

“It is the South African way and we have guys who like confrontation,” said the Springboks’ assistant coach, Dick Muir.

While the Springboks dominated the forward exchanges in Durban, the Lions won the battle of the backs, with centres Jamie Roberts and Brian O’Driscoll regularly cutting through Jean de Villiers and Adrian Jacobs.

Jacobs came in for particular criticism for his below-par display and asked whether the coaching staff would be watching that area closely during tomorrow’s game, Muir responded: “You plan for a player to succeed and not to fail, but if it doesn’t go for them you have to adapt to what’s happening.

“You defend as a unit and in that regard you can’t single out players for blame. Adi has worked hard on his defence this week so we are confident that he’ll do well. But like I said, you have to adapt if things aren’t going to plan.”

There has been speculation that Jacobs was still carrying a shoulder injury but Muir insisted the outside centre was fully fit.

“Adi is certainly not injured. He had a shoulder injury in the Super 14 and he had rehab, which he came through fine,” Muir said.

GuardianService