Lions lose Test series

The British and Irish Lions lost a third successive series after succumbing to a nail-biting 28-25 defeat against South Africa in Pretoria.

For so long, the Lions looked to have the game won but the Springboks, true to their tag as the world's best, clawed the deficit back and moved ahead in a pulsating final few minutes.

In what seemed the final twist of the afternoon, Stephen Jones had seemingly done enough to keep the series alive as he levelled the scores at 25-25 with a massive penalty, but the Boks had a final trick up their sleeve - or more to the point, Ronan O'Gara produced a moment of stupidity.

The Ireland No.10 took out Fourie de Preez with an illegal tackle and with it gifted the opposition the series, Morne Steyne stepping up to thump over the match-winning penalty.

The result robs the series of the finale everyone wanted in the Johannesburg Test, which will sadly be little more than a dead rubber, although the Lions will be keen to save face and avoid the prospect of a series whitewash, which could yet mark the beginning of the end for future Lions series...

What did you make of the second Test and do you think the Lions deserved to win? And what does this mean for the future of the Lions - should they face a whitewash, should future series be scrapped? Post your comments below...

Comments

[Gav]

I think it was one of the best test games i have seen for years, it had everything. The Lions put everything into that game, every ounce of energy was zapped for the cause of the British game of rugby and I salute them for that. The Springboks only had one agenda for that match and that was to disrupt the game controllers, and they did it. One thing left and thats, why did O'gara put the bomb up ? Kick it long, keep them pinned back in their 22.

[Andy]

Too many unforced errors from highly hined professionals? Once again we see a single game - rugby - with one rule book that divides teams and players because of the North v South difference in interpretation. This explains the first test (even Geech's voiced complaints). The second test was down to repeated errors and an unbelieveable decision not to red card for gouging!!! Via la free flowing french interpreatations. Overlay all this with the fact that SA are and have always been renowned for their downright thuggary, which our chattering rugby nerd commentors excuse as 'hard play', and there you have the downfall of many a team against the Boks. For the love of the game lets agree a common set of interpretations of the laws and apply them consistently, and then lets see the Boks refereed fairly and squarely off the park with their thuggish players suffering the reality of their chosen vicious course of actions. As for the Lion's, its a bit like Johnno's message to England - basics, basics, basics.

[Super Aly]

ROG made a mistake - don't we all? If he had leapt for the ball instead of staying on the ground it would have been classed as a 50/50 attempt to catch the ball. However, he should have just booted the ball to touch for a draw and The Lions would have won the series next week. We can't turn back time though!

[welshie]

The loss of the props did for the Lions, uncontested scrums played into the Boks hands as they were allowed quick ball with no pressure, Heaslip was too quiet, and Martin Williams should have been on sooner, don't know if Hook was fit but if he was should have been on the bench, Ogara is past his best by some distance and deserves the stick for his sheer stupidity, should have just got the ball off the park and let the boys live to fight another day.

[rob]

Lions players and management have shown what we knew all along the springboks(note the small 's')are not worthy world champions, but just bunch of thugs and cheats.To lose 4 players,2 props obviously fouled off the park,and one springbok not red carded for the same offence that cost Ferris his tour is to much to take.Come on the LIONS and win next week. This is the Pinnacle for world rugby.

[Sam, Maidstone]

Burger's an absolute menace and the Lions should have won. He should have been sent off in the first minute if the referee actually had some balls. An absolute disgrace and a terrible advert for the game. I hope he gets a long old ban.

[Derek]

It was obviously a mistake by O'Gara. Had his eye on the ball the whole time so I find it hard to believe he had any intention. Bad mistake all the same and deserved penalty. Hope they throw the book at Burger!

[Derek]

It was obviously a mistake by ROG. He had his eye on the ball the whole time. Bad mistake all the same and was a penalty. Hope they throw the book at Burger!

[Welshy, Monmouth]

Simon Shaw was a Man Mountain, an outstanding performance. Stephen Jones was superb through out the game especially under pressure. The front row were very strong apart from a couple of dodgy throws at the line out by Matthew Rees. The back row were too quiet and were out performed by the Boks. Rob Kearney had a brilliant game and was a good replacement for for the injured Lee Bynre. Andrew Sheridan had a strong game from the bench. Then we come to Ronan O`Gara, no effort to make the tackle on Jacque Fourie for the Boks third try. Then decides to make up for this by kicking the ball straight back to the Boks, instead of kicking the ball into touch. Then to make matters worse, puts his shoulder into Fourie Du Preez while he is in the air making the catch. A mad couple of minutes for a great player. Hang your head in shame Ronan. I hope the Citing Official takes action against Schalk Burger (who should of been shown a red card). Also I hope the injures are not too bad for the Lions.

[marc]

lions lost this series in the first game. would shane have missed those tries? they played well but you need experience.

[Rick - Dover]

The loss of the two props was the start of the problems- followed by the centre partnership and others.Up until this time the game was almost won. Shaw was brilliant. What on earth O'Gara was doing in the last few minutes is beyond comprehension. A woeful tackle attempt followed by a moment of madness. Next weekend is now ruined. They deserved better and could have won both tests. Why was Burger allowed to remain in the game - hopefully a long ban awaits the thug and coward. Unlucky lads it has been a great journey.

[Shabs]

ROG deserves to be put to pastures after that horror tackle. I hope he's still crying!

[Matty P]

Lions = not good enough

Springboks = the best in the world

It was no contest from the start

[Henry Gibbs]

It's difficult to give the management a hard time. The players they brought in were fantastic. Kearney scored a try and was a stunning sub for Byrne. Jones and Rees bossed the front row, and Simon Shaw was probably the man of the match in my mind. Perhaps the only average addition was Luke Fitzgerald. They threw everything at the boks but it wasn't enough.

[Al]

Any team made alamost entirely of taffy's and mick's, and managed by a jock is doomed to failure

[Tina]

Is it just me or was O'Gara not unlucky to get that penalty against him? It was a fairly innocuous challenge. My heart bled for him seeing him blubbing his eyes out at the end. You don't forget something like that for a while.

[Eric Peters]

I've got nothing but admiration for the Lions. They put their absolute heart and soul into making the second Test what was a truly epic match. And what a game. It had everything from great tries to the lead chopping and changing and the game being won at the death. It's a shame the Lions didn't sneak it simply for a great climax next weekend but I guess them the breaks. As for what this means to the Lions future, what it shows is that this is the pinnacle of rugby and I cannot wait for the next showcase on the next tour. Bring it on!

[Max]

What the hell was ROG thinking?

[Doug]

Ronan O'Gara is a fool. All he had to do was make a legitimate tackle and the game could easily have been tied. But he just couldn't help himself could he? I never would have had him on the bench. James Hook was surely the better option. And look how costly that call proved to be.