From 'Jaco Johan' to Pieter-Steph's 40 cm scar: 5 takeaways from Two Sides, Episode 2

'Rassie's burner isn't it?'

Following the Covid-19 drama of the opening episode, it's unsurprising that much of the off-field intrigue revolves around the simmering media "war" between Lions coach Warren Gatland and Springbok director of rugby Rassie Erasmus.

It's not exactly news that the New Zealander was the initial instigator following a thoroughly annoyed questioning of why Faf de Klerk, the Boks' terrier-like scrumhalf, wasn't punished more severely for his tackling during the SA 'A' game.

However, it remains fascinating how Erasmus insists that there really was no intention - at least from his perspective - for the South Africans to remotely become involved become involved in a media circus that would dominate (and perhaps even sour) the Test series.

After all, at stages everyone involved seemed to, if not enjoy, be willing to stir the pot in some way.

"Warren and I were really good friends. Prior to them coming to South Africa we said that we don't want a 'media circus'," Erasmus says.

"We wanted it to be media friendly. No tiffs. Not one of us said anything in the media up until that stage. After the SA 'A' game, they moaned a lot, especially about Faf's yellow card and me being the water carrier.

"I told them if this water-carrier thing is such an issue, tell me. I'll go sit in the stands."

Shortly afterwards, the mysterious "Jaco Johan" Twitter account surfaces with several clips pointing out Lions indiscretions.

Some of the visitors' stars are asked about who they believe "Jaco Johan" is, but most of them just laugh.

Lock Maro Itoje though is brilliant: "Oh, that's Rassie's burner isn't it?"

'We've been working like this for years'

For all the doubts over whether Jacques Nienaber, as Springbok coach, really is his own