Peter Jackson: Yes, it all goes South when we head South
Every November, at the end of their own equally gruelling season, the All Blacks and Springboks take off for Europe. Whatever their physical condition, they invariably sweep all before them, none in more captivating fashion than Australia in Cardiff last December.
It’s been like that almost every year since the advent of professionalism and this year, regrettably, is no exception. At the last count the number of back-row forwards alone to be declared hors de combat, the majority of them Lions, had run into double figures.
None will play again until next season following surgery. One, Stephen Ferris, of Ulster, Ireland and the Lions, faces the increasing possibility of something much more serious, that he will never play again.
His management company admits that “decisions will have to be made very soon on the best way forward for Stephen”. Ulster’s management are said to be bracing themselves for what may be a final opinion from the specialist on the state of the player’s ankle.
Ferris damaged it last month three matches into a comeback after a 16-month fight to recover from the knee trouble which prevented the Springboks from being exposed to his block-busting presence during the Test series five years ago.
Wales head to South Africa without Sam Warburton and Justin Tipuric, each quite literally shouldering the cumulative effects of their trade as openside wing forwards. A third Welsh back row Lion, Danny Lydiate, is doubtful for the trip because of a dodgy hamstring while James King, of the Ospreys, is another non-starter.
Ireland take on Argentina minus Peter O’Mahony and Sean O’Brien following shoulder operations, as well as Ferris. Scotland must tackle an odd assortment of matches in Houston, Cordoba and Port Elizabeth without Glasgow’s Ryan Wilson, the Scarlets’ Jonny Barclay and, quite probably, Ross Rennie, of Bristol.
England make the long haul to New Zealand without Tom Croft and many in other departments, their prospects damaged more by the absurd timing of the first Test seven days after the Premiership final than by the list of casualties.
None of the home countries has won a series against the Big Three in the Southern Hemisphere during the 35 years since Ireland under Fergus Slattery tied the Wallabies up in Brisbane one week and Sydney the next in 1979.
Post-professionalism the combined record is hardly good enough to be considered any better than abysmal.
England have played seven series, drawn two (South Africa 2000, Australia 2010) and lost five (New Zealand 1998, 2004, 2008), South Africa (2007), Australia (2006).
Wales have lost all six series which adds up to 13 defeats out of 13, in (Australia 1996, 2007, 2012), South Africa (2002, 2008), New Zealand (2010).
Ireland have the same grim record, losing all six of their series against South Africa (1998, 2004), Australia (1999), New Zealand (2002, 2006, 2012).
Scotland’s is a similar tale of woeful failure, six lost series in New Zealand (1996, 2000), Australia (1998, 2004), South Africa (2003, 2006).
Add it all up and the combined figures make grim reading: Played 55, Lost 52.
England accounted for the remaining three matches – two wins (Bloemfontein in 2000 and in Sydney ten years later) and one draw (Port Elizabeth two years ago).
