British and Irish Lions 2021: Warren Gatland believes Tests will happen
- Published
The Lions have so far beaten Japan, the Sigma Lions and the Sharks
British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland believes the series against South Africa will happen despite Covid outbreaks in both camps a little more than two weeks before their first Test.
One Lions player and one of the team's management tested positive before Wednesday's win over the Sharks.
Twelve cases among South Africa's players and staff caused Friday's game against Georgia to be called off.
"I honestly believe we will have a Test series," said Gatland.
"We spoke beforehand and the medics said there is a likelihood that in South Africa we get a case or two. It is how we deal with it.
"South Africa are probably in a worse situation than us. We have got some time in the next couple of weeks to hopefully get everyone all right.
"We are not sure where we picked these cases up, whether it was through hotel staff or some people passing through at a match. We are preparing and looking forward and really excited for a Test series."
Eight Lions players and four staff are isolating as close contacts, prompting eight changes to be made to the matchday squad for the 54-7 win over the Sharks in Johannesburg.
Organisers said all other members of the touring party had tested negative.
The Lions' game against the Bulls on Saturday will not happen as scheduled with alternative opposition or a different date to be found because of Covid-19 cases in the hosts' camp.
A statement released an hour before kick-off on Wednesday said a medical advisory group had confirmed the game could be played, with players given little more than five minutes notice to board the bus to the ground.
"The Test series is paramount," British and Irish Lions managing director Ben Calveley told Sky Sports.
"Our intention is to do everything we can to get those matches over the line here in South Africa. At the moment there is no intention to deviate from the schedule."
'A very difficult day'
Tadhg Furlong and Ken Owens were second-half replacements in the win over the Sharks
Ireland's Iain Henderson, who captained the Lions against the Sharks, said he was proud of how his team had performed in adversity.
"There were any list of excuses we could have used," said the second row.
"We could have backed out of tackles, dropped our heads a little bit, but the guys didn't, they dug in for each other, to make sure we kept what we wanted to do on track for this tour.
"It was a very difficult day. I can't overstate how proud I am of them."
The Lions are due to face the Springboks in a three-Test series beginning on 24 July.
After months of uncertainty, organisers opted to go ahead with the South Africa tour rather than pursue contingency plans to play at home or in Australia.
The Lions - who have been playing and training in a strict coronavirus bubble - arrived as South Africa was battling a third wave of infections, with the Springboks having to isolate twice in the past two weeks.
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