McGeechan - his Lions side can claim victory.

By David Gee

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	5.5pts Lions (+11) to beat South Africa at 10/11 (Paddy Power).	A battling Lions side can finally get what they deserve in South Africa.

South Africa v Lions (Saturday, 14.00 BST)

I'm not sure I've seen a rugby match so shrouded in controversy as last weekend's 2nd test between South Africa and the Lions. Not only did it get what Danny Dyer would term as 'tasty' but it also highlighted the fact that the introduction of video technology has not totally cleared up controversial issues. Quite how the video ref managed to deem Jaque Fourie's effort in the corner as beyond doubt is beyond me to be honest as I thought there was no way you could tell whether his foot had crept into touch or not. This not only denied the Lions a victory but also handed the series to the South Africans, who had been on the back foot for the majority of the game. True, Jani Pienaar had missed several crucial kicks but so had the Lions in the 1st test and a 1-1 scoreline going into the final test would have probably been a fair reflection of the series so far. However, it was not to be but the Lions do have one more opportunity to put right some wrongs in Saturday's test at Ellis Park. Two of the Lions squad have had to return home this week following the battle of Loftus Verfeld last weekend. Brian O'Driscoll had another Lions tour cut short due to injury after he was concussed following a crunching collision with Springbok substitute Danie Rossouw during last weekend's defeat. Adam Jones is another who has had to return early after suffering a dislocated shoulder after being charged by Bakkies Botha during last weekend's game - an act which earned the South African a two week ban. These two players mean there have been 12 casualties since Ian McGeechan named his squad in April. Injuries meant Jerry Flannery, Tom Shanklin and Tomas O'Leary did not make the flight from London, while a 12-week suspension wrecked Munster flanker Alan Quinlan's tour hopes prior to departure. And since arriving in South Africa, the Lions have lost O'Driscoll, Jones, Stephen Ferris, Leigh Halfpenny, Lee Byrne, Euan Murray, Ryan Jones and Gethin Jenkins. South Africa's ill-discipline could cost them dear this weekend as both Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger will miss this game due to suspension. Botha's ban has been documented above and Burger's ban for gouging has been all over the rugby press this week. It's been a brutal series and one that has taken its toll on both sides. The Lions have done themselves proud over the past few weeks and a win here would be the least they deserved. Obviously sport doesn't work like that but they have got desperately close in the past two Tests and it's not beyond them to do the same this weekend. The loss of O'Driscoll and Jones will hurt but the layers haven't given them the respect they deserve and they have to be supported getting eleven points this weekend.

Verdict: South Africa by 5.