Finn Russell, the Lions' most innovative player, was hurt for large parts of the tour.It is an incredible feat that the series was able to be completed despite the dire circumstances of the British Lions and Irish Lions tours of South Africa in July. With Covid infesting the home camp and over a dozen players and staff being isolated, it is almost unbelievable that they were able to finish the tour.Both the administrators and the players are to be commended for completing the tour in such difficult circumstances. It is evident that the Lions are still very important for both the British and Irish players, regardless of the obstacles they face in a Covid world.The series was still settled the same way it was 12 years ago with a Morne-Steyn penalty goal. But that's the end of the similarities. The 2009 edition saw a record attendance. The Lions played some exciting ball-in-hand rugby, greatly increasing the brand's value and concept.After a series of 2021 that was full of rancour on the pitch and sub-par rugby on it, how will this tour be recalled? And where does the Lions go from there?A missed opportunity?Lions fans will agree that they should have won the decider at Cape Town. However, there will still be a deep regret about the lack of imagination in rugby displayed throughout the Test matches.Warren Gatland, the head coach, and his coaches named the squad in May. They stressed that the team was capable of playing in many different ways and would not be dependent on beating the Boks at the game.The Lions were conservative, and their well-known back three were rarely given the chance to run in space. This approach worked well in the first Test with the Lions taking advantage South Africa's undercooked meats, but it didn't work in the second.The third was a lucky twist. Finn Russell, the brilliant player, came on for Dan Biggar who was injured. That meant that the Lions finally started playing rugby. Fans and pundits alike were left wondering what could have been.Covid and bad fortune played a part in this.Attack coach Gregor Townsend was isolated. Russell was hurt for large parts of the tour. Farrell and Biggar also suffered injuries and were unable to form a 10/12 partnership which could have helped the Springbok defense. Gatland was not convinced by Johnny Sexton, unlike Alun Wyn Jones who is a superhuman.If Gatland had more time, would he have chosen Henry Slade, the skilled and versatile Englishman, or Garry Ringrose, the mysterious Irishman, or Jonathan Davies, the great Welshman? Would he have realized that bravery pays against the Boks?In 2009, there was a strong sense that the Lions deserved better. It's hard to argue otherwise this time.The series is sourged by Erasmus anticsRassie Erasmus, South Africa's director of rugby, took over water-carrying duties to talk with his players on the pitchThe first few weeks of the tour were filled with positive messages from South Africa, both camps, in spite of all the challenges.All of this changed after, during, and after the first test.As they expressed concern about South African TV match officials being appointed, the hosts believed that the Lions were the ones who started it all.Although there was some cynicism and opportunism in the messages from the Lions camp they were mainly upset that there wasn’t a plan in place in case an official, in this instance Brendon Pickerill from New Zealand, couldn’t travel.They insist that they never questioned Marius Jonker's integrity. Donal Lenihan, a former Lions manager, said that there was no point in arguing after a match.However, the Springboks were able to argue after the match. Rassie Erasmus, director of rugby, first took to social media to highlight some incidents before publishing a stunning 62-minute video detailing approximately 30 instances when he felt his team was treated unfairly during the first Test.It is perfectly acceptable to question and challenge officials in public. They are professionals, so they are used to being held accountable.Erasmus crossed the Rubicon. He not only argued over areas that are forever subjective and ambiguous but also questioned the integrity and honesty of officials. This implied that Siya Kolisi and his team had been treated poorly, with officials actively biasing against the Springboks.Kolisi was happy to continue this accusation.Although Erasmus is an incredibly successful player, his country will continue to celebrate him. However, the mental and emotional manipulation of officials is a dangerous precedent that could lead to serious injury. Is South Africa likely to lose another Test match in fairness? Or will they continue to believe that their defeats are due to biased and disrespectful officials forever?Test series results: South Africa 17-22 Lions 2nd Test: South Africa 27-9 Lions 3rd Test: South Africa 19-16 LionsWho will take charge in 2025Warren Gatland won four Tests, lost four, and has drawn one during his time as Lions coachGatland leaves his third tour as head Coach with a win and draw. It was an impressive return.No matter what happens next, he is a great Lions coach. He was the one who managed the first century's Test series win. He was also the person who, through his dedication and force of personality, helped to get the tour on the road and kept it there, even through incredible adversity.It is time for the Lions board, however, to start looking to a new era. Except for the brief tenures of Graham Henry and Sir Clive Woodward, every Lions tour since 1983 was supported by Sir Ian McGeechan and Gatland.These individuals are no longer the Lions' support. The four home unions that make up the Lions must support the idea. A plan should be developed about who will take charge in the future.Is the Lions' head coach to be neutral or detached from the other four sides? Is that person required to coach at the top of the international game's ladder? Gatland was able to benefit from his absence in the 2021 Six Nations or did he suffer?What about assistant coaches? What can we do to avoid another situation in which a number of first-choice candidates is unavailable? One solution is for each country, selected by the Lions head coach, to provide one assistant.There are plenty of candidates for leadership in 2025. Andy Farrell and Gregor Townsend have both been on Lions coaching teams. Ronan O'Gara is making waves and could be ready by 2025. Stuart Lancaster is well-versed in British and Irish leagues, players and coaches.The Lions board should be slow, since they have been so quiet throughout this entire process. The home unions who have refused to accept a postponement until 2022 should show that they are committed to the Lions and not an anachronistic hindrance.Four years ago, similar conversations were being held in New Zealand about the future Lions. This was especially after a humiliating first-Test loss and a long build-up that required a lot of preparation. After the thrilling second-Test win, thousands of Lions fans danced in rain in Wellington.These joyous outbursts were unfortunately lacking on the field. This disappointing tour has shown us that the Lions cannot play again without their supporters.
