World champions South Africa held off a gallant British and Irish Lions fightback to claim a thrilling 26-21 victory in the opening Test match in Durban. The Springboks, inspired by some impressive forward play — particularly in the scrum — looked to be cruising to a comfortable win as they led 26-7 with just 12 minutes remaining. But the match-fit Lions, who had won all six of their games prior to Saturday’s opening Test, scored two late tries against the visibly-tiring home side –who were hanging on when the final whistle was eventually blown
