Locking horns with the Boks: The Lions’ best bet for second row A Set the default text size A Set large text size Replay A Set the default text size A Set large text size Tour the Republic without at least skilled and belligerent locks – lose. The Lions prevailed in 1974, after futility in 1910, 1924, 1938, (a close run-in) 1955, 1962 and 1968. As Nick Bishop rightfully noted, the foundation of the Invincible Lions was the lock partnership of Irish legend Willie John McBride and Scottish great Gordon Brown. A series win – as opposed to a one-off victory – in South Africa requires a team to outplay the Springboks in the second row. Hence the paucity of Lions successes in South Africa (the Lions have won only about 30 per cent of the Tests, better than each Home Nation’s all-time record in RSA, but not good enough to take many series).