The two-time Lions tourist has vivid memories of his playing days against the Springboks, beginning in all three Trials of the 2009 Tour when Sir Ian McGeechan's men succumbed to a 2-1 series loss.
The former Ireland winger was also central to the Lions'
series win in Australia in 2013, but it's that visit to South Africa that
remains in the memory, as tourists lost a thrilling second Test 28-25 in the
Loftus heat. Versfeld Stadium. Rugby enthusiasts can book Springboks
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Bowe will always remember that day in Pretoria and says that
while the South African population is among the most welcoming hosts in world
rugby, Warren Gatland's team will need all his mental determination to deal
with the pressures of the game day.
"It's going to be an incredible series and it will be
incredibly difficult for the Lions," the 36-year-old said.
The South African crowd is so passionate about their team,
but also very welcoming. I think they appreciate the Lions and their support
coming into the country. There is something special about the Lions with the
union of the four countries, with the color and emotion of the Lions fans
combined with the passion and pride, particularly towards the Lions, of the
Springbok fans.
British
and Irish Lions
I think it's the perfect combination and it's an incredible
and very special Tour and place to play; every time the Lions tour of South
Africa has always been amazing, next year will be no different.
My memories of that 2009 Tour are only that second test; I
will never forget the bus to the Pretoria stadium. I have never seen the
passion of a crowd like the one I saw that day entering the stadium in Pretoria
- people were waving the bus and yelling about everything!
"The reverberation from the crowd in the stadium locker
room was just outrageous, you could feel the crowd right outside."
A last-gasp penalty from Morné Steyn in that iconic second
Test wiped out the Lions' hopes of leveling the series that year, before
McGeechan's men rallied to triumph 28-9 in Johannesburg in a series loss. 2-1.
But it was in Australia four years later that Bowe became a
Lions immortal, missing the first trial through injury but recovering in time
for the second and third as the Lions won 41-16 in Sydney to end their wait.
Age 16 for a Tour win.
Bowe is very familiar with what makes Tour opponents
effective, having encountered the likes of John Smit, Bryan Habana, Michael
Hooper and Adam Ashley-Cooper on those visits to South Africa and Australia.
Springbok
The former running back is looking forward to next summer's
series and has chosen two players from Springbok, who played when South Africa
beat England 32-12 in the World Cup final, with the ability to thwart the
Lions' advances.
"The Lions are going to face the world champions and
South Africa showed that they are ruthless, physical and a match for
anyone," he added.
The way they played England in the World Cup final, it just
showed how difficult it is to play England. I think Pieter-Steph du Toit is
just an absolute machine and of course, they also have Cheslin Kolbe, who is on
the opposite end of the spectrum when it comes to size but is so talented. He
is someone who, the moment he has the ball in his hands, he can get the whole
crowd to stand up to see what he can do.
"They don't lack talent on their team, so it's going to
be an incredible series."
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