Gatland reveals how tactical switch helped Lions beat Springboks

CAPE TOWN: British and Irish Lions coach Warren Gatland said a change of tactics helped his team beat the Springboks 22-17 in the first Test in Cape Town on Saturday.

Gatland said he was not concerned about his team trailing 12-3 at half-time. He felt the half had been evenly contested and could have been closer if two penalty kicks had been goaled.

“I just told the players, let’s be patient and keep our composure, the opportunities will come,” he said.

Crucially, he advised them only to kick at goal from a penalty if it was “an easy three points”.

Otherwise, he said, “Kick for touch and put them under pressure in their 22”.

It was precisely that which led to the…