The Lion kings

The Lions line up for the match against the Leopards in East London, 9 July 1974 Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

Full back Andy Irvine recalls the story behind this iconic photograph: “The Lions had played the Cape Coloureds in Cape Town, but this was the first time we had ever played a black team. It was a bit of a milestone to play the Leopards because up until then there was no way that the South African rugby union would have allowed us to mix with blacks. I do know the photograph, but I can’t remember much about the guy I am shaking hands with. We won quite well [56-10] from what I remember and we found them really nice guys. Personally, apartheid was something I was very conscious of. I had real reservations about whether or not I should go, but I was a 21-year-old, starry-eyed rugby player and the ambition of any rugby player is to play for the Lions and it was something that I desperately wanted to do. And I don’t have any regrets, though I have one or two reservations” Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

Leopards Edward Mnqatu with mascot Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

Spectators watch the Leopards game from behind a fence Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

Against Border on 17 July, fans climbed trees for a better view Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

JPR Williams gets into a Harold Robbins book Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

Lions Fergus Slattery and Iain McLauchlin playing football on the beach in South Africa, July 1974 Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

Willie John McBride (with headband) and Gordon Brown celebrate the Lions’ series win over South Africa after the third Test in Port Elizabeth on 13 July 1974 Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

High spirits after the third Test as McBride watches Syd Millar get “strung up” Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

Lions Players (L to R) Roger Uttley, Stewart McKinney ,Ian McLauchlan, Willie John McBride and Andy Irvine play in the Surf the day after winning the series Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

Stewart McKinney playing with a Dolphin in Durban 21 July 1974 Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

An entrance to Ellis Park Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

The Ellis Park scoreboard shows the final score for the final test.In front of a crowd at Ellis Park said to be 80,000, but undoubtedly more, the Lions outscored South Africa in the fourth Test two tries to one, but were pegged back by three Jackie Snyman penalties. The score finished 13-13, and the South Africans had clawed back a scrap of pride. “We could’ve and should’ve won the last Test,” Bobby Windsor says. “Fergus Slattery went over in the last minute and the ref disallowed it. When we spoke to the referee afterwards he said, ‘Look boys, I have to live here.’ Fair enough, I suppose” Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

Lions Captain Willie John McBride holds up a fish on the beach... Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport

...and takes a bike for a spin Photograph: Colin Elsey/Colorsport