Lions bite back but fall short

No match could have revealed more about the true Lions spirit than their 26-21 defeat to South Africa in the first Test.

Yes Ian McGeechan's side were bullied all over the place in the scrum and line-out during a dire first-half display which raised all sorts of doubts and questions.

With less than 15 minutes left, the world champions were leading 26-7. But then up stepped Jamie Roberts and Brian O'Driscoll to show why they are the world's best combination at centre.

Tom Croft's second try and Mike Phillips' late touchdown could and should have set up a remarkable victory over the rapidly tiring Boks.

But they managed to hang on and must now be favourites to win the series, with the second and third Tests to come at altitude in Pretoria and Johannesburg over the next two Saturdays.

Some will no doubt point the finger at New Zealand ref Bryce Lawrence for awarding the string of penalties that enabled South Africa to build on their early lead.

But the truth is that Phil Vickery was totally out-scrummaged by Tendai 'The Beast' Mtawarira, the Lions' line-out was a shambles, and the forwards generally were taken to the cleaners.

Ugo Monye wasn't blameless either. His lack of finishing power was cruelly exposed when he had a try rightly disallowed in the first half, and when he twice wasted great attacking positions later in the game. Surely he will be replaced in the second Test.

But for all the faults and self-inflicted wounds, the Lions showed enough flair in the backs to suggest that they might yet turn this series round. It's going to be tough, but they did come close to claiming an unlikely comeback victory in Durban. Who knows what will happen in Pretoria next weekend.

What do you think of the Lions' display? And who, if anybody, should be brought in for the second Test? Send in your thoughts via the boxes below

Comments

[MARK BUSWELL]

Should call up julian white for next test scrum will go forward not backwards some one needs to deck backies boater as well how ever you spell it.

[Welshy, Monmouth]

1 G Jenkins
2 M Rees
3 A Jones
4 S Shaw
5 P O`Connell
6 T Croft
7 M Williams
8 J Heaslip
9 M Phillips
10 S Jones
11 T Bowe
12 B O`Driscoll
13 J Roberts
14 L Fitzgerald
15 L Byrne

16 A Sheridan
17 L Mears
18 A W Jones
19 A Powell
20 H Ellis
21 J Hook
22 R Kearney

Much more agression needed up front and quicker ball for Phillips. We need to do the bullying and not let ourselves be bullied. S Jones was quiet but i think it was alot to do with the quality of ball he had. S Shaw has been the pick of the second rows in the warm up games, he should be given a chance. A Jones was outstanding when he came on, and along side G Jenkins and M Rees they would not take a backward step in the scrums. U Monye was unlucky with his chances but should of finished them off. L Fitzgerald or K Earls to take his place. A Sheridan and A Powell to make a big impact from the bench. Now lets bully these Boks and get back on track.

[james]

joe worsley should be brought in to further bolster the forwards. Him, Heaslip and Croft/Wallace to be back row for second test. shane williams should not even be on this tour let alone be considered for a test spot, "bloater" you have a point about adam jones but to play williams would be insanity. it would be one kick over his head after another and one springboks try after another!

[dragon]

to much wasted ball with up and unders, straight running split the springbox line but lions saw this to late, adam jones,o!gara, martin williams to start next test, and More straight running please

[bloater]

What did Adam jones do wrong?
the welsh front row looked stong.Shane Williams would have taken the chances loss of form or not he is a world class and knows how to finish

[james]

should bring in ROG. it might be worth giving fitz a shot in place of monye though kearney could be another option. other than that bring in hayes for vickery as that should help with damage linmitation up front.

[Jack the Lad]

Bring in Fitgerald for Monye and get rid of Vickery. Stephen Jones' kicking wasn't clever so let's have O'Gara back where he belongs. You're right about Roberts and BOD - brilliant