Nick Cain sets the scene ahead of Lions lift-off for South Africa

THE 2021 Lions tour of South Africa will be like no other. No 30,000- strong invading red army, no Springbok supporters drawn from the length and breadth of the country and both teams trapped in anti-virus ‘bubbles’.
It means one of Rugby Union’s great series, which traditionally is heaving with noise, passion, and sizzling atmosphere, will be played out in a strange echo-chamber environment of empty stands, and a backdrop of usually vibrant cities under night curfews.
It seems remarkable that this tou...