Lions restore pride with victory

The Lions gave themselves something to cheer about with a deserved 28-9 victory in the third and final Test, ensuring in the process that they avoided a first ever series whitewash against South Africa.

But in truth it was a mismatch from the start as Springbok coach Peter de Villiers blooded a series of inexperienced players for the finale, some of whom massively underperformed and helped the Lions' cause in the process.

However, that is to take nothing away from the Lions, who played like their lives depended on it despite the fact the series was lost. Simon Shaw was once again phenomenal, and probably sneaks the Lions player of the entire series award - if any gongs are being dished out. In addition, Phil Vickery refused to get bossed around in the front row like the first Test while the new-look back lines and back rows both produced near-perfect defensive performances.

To the Lions' immense credit, they made a fight of it in the previous two Tests too but it wasn't quite enough to give the grandstand winner-takes-all final match. In the end, there were three great Tests but the Lions will pack their bags tonight breathing a communal sigh of "what if".

What did you make of the Lions victory in the third Test and should they have done more to win the series? And who was your man of the series? Post your comments below...

Owen joins Manchester United

Has Sir Alex Ferguson lost his mind? In the most surprising transfer for years, Michael Owen has joined Manchester United on a free.

Is this is the same Michael Owen who barely scored a goal as Newcastle tumbled out of the Premier League? The same Michael Owen who plays two matches (at most) before being crocked? And the man who is below Carlton Cole in the England pecking order? Yes, it is!

So low was Owen's stock, his advisors created a brochure to remind everyone that he did actually know what that net type thing was. Before United's bizarre intervention, only Hull and Stoke were interested. Blackburn, yes Blackburn, turned him down.

Does Sir Alex really think this injury-riddled striker can recapture his glory days and spearhead the champions' pursuit for a fourth successive title? If he does, he's surely in the miniority.

Pride at stake for Lions

Is there any point in the third and final Test of the Lions series? With South Africa boasting an unassailable 2-0 lead, perhaps the tourists should pack their bags and head home.

But there is still plenty to play for - most notably pride. The Lions hope to avoid a first series whitewash against the Springboks in their 118-year history, and Ian McGeechan's changed line-up suggests he is throwing everything at the world champions.

Bulk has been added to the pack in the shape of props Andrew Sheridan and Phil Vickery, while Joe Worsley's muscle is required - most notably in the tackle and breakdown areas - to quell South Africa's attacking threat. Martyn Williams, who should have started the previous two Tests ahead of David Wallace, is also picked.

The Lions must win to keep alive the aspirations of future tours. With South Africa barely recognisable from the first two matches after ten changes, they should do just that.

Can the Lions win the final Test and has McGeechan picked the right side? Or will it all end up in a whitewash? Post your comments below...