British and Irish lions: we just couldn't say no - Stick

Springbok's assistant coach, Mzwandile Stick, has opened up to the experience of taking on the British and Irish Lions on tour. Stick first met the famous side on the road when they last visited South Africa in 2009. Rugby enthusiasts can book Springboks Vs British And Irish Lions Tickets on our website on exclusively discounted prices.

BRITISH AND IRISH LIONS TOURS: RUGBY'S MOST RARE CHALLENGE

The British and Irish Lions tours only take place once every twelve years for the Springboks with the team now locked into a four-year cycle in which they visit traditional southern rivals in South Africa, Australia, and New Zealand.

Stick was drafted into the Southern Kings team that took on the tourists at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium just after the completion of the 2010 Soccer World Cup venue construction.

"At the time, I was still playing for the Blitzboks, but I got a call from Mr. Solomons and he asked me to play that game," said Stick, who hails from Port Elizabeth.

Me and Mpho Mbiyozo, who was with me on the Springbok Sevens team, we just couldn't say no to this opportunity. There was one thing that made it very special for me: playing in front of our fans in Port Elizabeth. It's the place that made me who I am, and it's very close to my heart.

We had people like De Wet Barry, a great Springbok, Solly Tyibilika and Francois Hougaard, a lot of great players, and for me, when I was young, it was very special to rub shoulders with these guys.

"Then looking at the venue, it was going to be the first sports match at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium that was built for the 2010 Soccer World Cup. We were very excited to be a part of that story."

Stick came off the bench to score in a game that he claimed provided everyone involved with incredible memories.

"It was 11 years ago, but I remember everything about that game," Stick recalled.

“A lot of players don't get a chance to play the Lions, but for me, even after retiring, he always made me smile. We were facing the best players in Europe. Ronan O'Gara scored 10 points, Ugo Monye scored his only try and there were many other big names as well. Sharing the field with all those players created memories that will last a lifetime, and I am truly grateful for that opportunity.”

THREE TIMES HARDER THAN 32-12 VS ENGLAND

Stick expects the Lions to pose a huge challenge for the Springboks next year. The assistant coach feels the Lions will be eager to take down the world champions after the Boks beat Wales and England on their way to winning the cup.

"The Rugby World Cup final against England was very tough and we had to do our best. I think facing the Lions will be three times as difficult," he said.

Unlike a World Cup, where the weeks are easier, there will be no opportunities to take it easy when preparing for the Lions; every training session, every gym session will have to count. We are the reigning RWC champions, we beat England in the final and Wales in the semi-final so they are going to cost us a lot. It will be like revenge.

"We certainly don't expect anything light. The Northern Hemisphere teams are very strong right now, all of those teams are very tough and we will make sure we are ready for that challenge."

We are offering South Africa A Vs British And Irish Lions Tickets so Rugby fans can get British lions rugby tickets through our trusted online ticketing market place. Xchangetickets.com is the most reliable source to book British lions rugby tickets.