Cheetahs give Lions the runaround

The British and Irish Lions breathed a collective sigh of relief as Louis Strydom's last-ditch drop-goal narrowly flew past the post and ensured a 26-24 win for the tourists. The third successive win of the Tour, though edgy, helps build the momentum they so desperately need for what will be a brutal Test series.

There were no shortage of winners and losers in the match. James Hook failed to direct proceedings as coach Ian McGeechan had hoped for beforehand and is clearly the third-choice fly-half. We also learned that Luke Fitzgerald is not a Test centre, but McGeechan already knew that

More worrying, though, was the lack of pace and sharpness of Shane Williams, who looks short on form and full fitness. In Williams' defence, opportunities were few and far between, but that didn't stop Lee Byrne at full-back making his mark on the game by searching out possession.

The front five really excelled. Paul O'Connell might well have found his place under threat from Nathan Hines, who was at his all-action best, if he was not captain. Andy Powell talked his way forward as a Test candidate in the first half only to fade drastically, the heat perhaps highlighting a shortfall in fitness.

But perhaps the biggest surprise of the lot was Stephen Ferris who seems to have found a yard of pace and new-found handling skills since the end of the regular season. Tom Croft might be many people's favourite for No.6 in the Test team, but Ferris now has a good shout.

What did you make of the Lions latest display? Who's hot and who's not of the current squad in South Africa? Post your comments below...

Comments

[Geordie boy]

Hook offers a better second option to Stephen Jones than Ronan O'Gara. O'Gara's been unconvincing this season IMO and he's too much like Jones that if he gets brought on off the bunch then it's merely like for like. Hook can be a real gamebreaker off the bench and run rings around the opposition with his attacking flair if and when necessary. Saying that I would have taken Cipriani instead. He might get some stick but he's an inspired talent.

[Martin, Doncaster]

Just look at the stats. Three games, three wins. Nowt else matters.

[Stuart Hutchinson]

I don't think there's any need for criticism. This is a completely different team for the third week running and they've beaten a Super 14 outfit which means they're not exactly slouches now does it?

There were things that worked and things that didn't but I wouldn't imagine that Ian McGeechan will be overly worried. I agree with Paul that Ferris looked good while Joe Worsley looked dreadful. Apart from tackling what else does that guy do?

[Jelly]

I'm fed up of people criticising the Lions. It is as if we've just lost. We've won three out of three! It doesn't matter how much we win by as long we get the job done.

[Harry]

The Lions were lucky. It won't be long before they are given a beating. If the Cheetahs had a decent goal-kicker they would have caused an upset.

[Paul]

Ferris is a fool for that sin binning. Not the sort of player you want in your side if he does something like that. Stick with Crofty I say.