The Springboks avenged defeat in 1997 with a series win over the Lions in Pretoria, after a thrilling game that the Lions could well have won.
A heroic performance from the men in red was ultimately not quite enough as South Africa clinched the Second Test by 28-25 with a last-minute penalty.
Let us know your thoughts on the action, and once we’ve had more time to prepare our reactions, we’ll bring you those here on The Rugby Blog.
Tommy Guns
This sorry whining is a disgrace to the legacy of those such as Willie John, JJ & JPR, Gareth Edwards and even Martin Johnson, Wilkinson & Guscott! Great men face up, rather than blaming the referee or touch judges. This Lions team has shown their disrespect for the jersey through the unending stream of excuses and negative comments about everything from accommodation, travel arrangements, Bok supporters and referees. If I was a Lions supporter I would be ashamed for their off-the-field comments.
Be realistic – the Lions never had a chance against the in-form World Champions on their home turf. The Tri-Nations & Super 14 breeds big, fast & skillful players for which the Lions does not have an answer. It is VERY difficult to win away from home, ask any Super 14 or Tri-Nations team. You’ve got to adapt to the environment, climate, culture and differences in rules interpretation from referees. Welcome to touring – the fact is that in ’74 and ’97 great Lions teams faced the Springboks at home and kicked our sorry asses!!
Be proud of the jersey, play like a true Lion and stop whining..
Koos Petoors.
Firstly, I’m not making excuses. If you have read my other comments (i.e. 5 and 8) I openly admit the better team won this tour. SA are world champions – and bloody good world champions. Your forward pack is the best unit for nearly a decade. Your backs when on form are also right up there with the best. This so called “whining” is actually commenting on where errors have occured during the tests and the tour in general. That is not a disgrace to the legacy to previous legends, simply debating the current issues.
Secondly. Where have I, or anyone else on this blog, complained about accomodation, travel arrangements or supporters?
Thirdly. If we dont have the answer to the big, fast, skillful players or stood any chance – then how come we were winning for nearly all of the 2nd test and only just lost both tests by a few points to the best team in the world? Personally i wouldn’t be so cocky and maybe accept victory with a little more grace. Obviously that is up to your discretion though.
Fourth. I am proud of the lions jersey and unbelievably proud of the performances and game produced by the Lions. I am also proud of the performances by the SA’s. Both tests were amazing games to watch – possibly 2 of the best test matchs I have ever watched.
And lastly – why should any team in the world, be it England, South Africa, France, Wales, Australia etc etc, have to adapt to the differences in rules “interretation”? The laws and rules are for the game of rugby, and therefore there should not be any difference in the “interpretation” regardless of whether you play in the Northern Hemisphere or South Hemisphere.
Personally think your comments are a little wayward, but each to their own.
Looking forward to “hopefully” another cracker this weekend.