Pride of Lions - News

Lions Vs Springboks - 3rd Test Player Ratings

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-07-06T12:02:26+01:00

Returning to normal service, we have player ratings from the 10th and final game of the 2009 Lions series - the winning 3rd test in J'Burg. The Lions produced a wonder-performance given the player injuries and exhaustion at the end of the tour to lift themselves despite the game's dead rubber status.

They thrashed the Boks 28-9 in the final reckoning and while it's scant consolation for a lost tour it will go some distance to ensuring this tour is remembered for it's fag-paper differences between the two sides as much as for the South African victory. Take a look at our ratings via the link below. There's more to come here on Pride of Lions as we review the tour. I've also got plans for a Best of 2009 video and will get to that when I have time. Keep checking back.

3rd Test - Player Ratings

REDEMPTION

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-07-05T03:18:28+01:00

It's 3.16am here. I've just watched the match after getting back from photographing a wedding.

WHAT A PERFORMANCE!!!

Lions 28 - 9 Springboks

Will be getting things up to date tomorrow and in the coming days, but to the Lions right now, I have to offer my thanks for a wonderful set of performances and, despite the series loss, the most incredible, awe inspiring summer of rugby.

It's been a pleasure lads, and I'll be winding things down over the coming week or two with some retrospective analysis and some roundup videos.

We'll have a full match report tomorrow.

UPDATED - Lions & Springbok Team Announcements

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-07-02T12:40:29+01:00

Both the Lions and the Springboks have named their sides for the third and final test. The teams are as follows:

British & Irish Lions

15. Rob Kearney
14. Ugo Monye
13. Tommy Bowe
12. Riki Flutey
11. Shane Williams
10. Stephen Jones
9. Mike Phillips
8. Jamie Heaslip
7. Martyn Williams
6. Joe Worsley
5. Paul O'Connell (c)
4. Simon Shaw
3. Phil Vickery
2. Matthew Rees
1. Andrew Sheridan

Replacements:

16. Ross Ford
17. John Hayes
18. Alun-Wyn Jones
19. David Wallace
20. Tom Croft
21. Harry Ellis
22. James Hook

Springboks

15. Zane Kirchner
14. Odwa Ndungane
13. Jaque Fourie
12. Wynand Olivier
11. Jongi Nokwe
10. Morné Steyn
9. Fourie du Preez
8. Ryan Kankowski
7. Juan Smith
6. Heinrich Brüssow
5. Victor Matfield
4. Johann Muller
3. John Smit (c)
2. Chiliboy Ralepelle
1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements:

16. Bismarck du Plessis
17. Gurthrö Steenkamp
18. Deon Carstens
19. Steven Sykes
20. Pierre Spies
21. Ruan Pienaar
22. Frans Steyn

Both sides feature considerable changes. The Lions, mainly enforced by injury, while the Boks, who have lost two players to suspension, field a new look side with the clear intent of blooding a few youngsters. The Lions make 7 changes to their starting XV with one positional change - Tommy Bowe comes into the outside centre role, while Ugo Monye returns to take his position on the wing.

The Lions lost both centres and both props to injury during the second test, and Phil Vickery returns to the side alongside Matthew Rees and Andy Sheridan in the front row. Vickery experienced a torrid time in the series opener, but scrum coach Graham Rowntree is expecting the Wasps player to bounce back, "I've no doubt if selected he'll go out there and give a good display."

An all new centre pairing of Riki Flutey and regular winger Tommy Bowe takes the field in place of the injured Jamie Roberts and Brian O'Driscoll and Shane Williams defies his critics to claim a wing berth. The successful lock pairing of Shaw and O'Connell gets it's second run out, while in the back row Martyn Williams swaps his place on the bench with David Wallace and Joe Worsley comes into the side at the expense of Tom Croft who drops to the bench.

Luke Fitzgerald can count himself unlucky. After a solid display in the second test the management have clearly decided to gamble and thrown the mercurial but hugely out of form Williams into the mix. Ronan O'Gara is also relegated from the bench after an unfortunate ten minute cameo in the dying minutes of the second test. James Hook takes his place on the reserves bench.

Commenting on his selection Head Coach Ian McGeechan said, "A British & Irish Lions tour is a unique experience for players in the busy, modern professional rugby calendar. The 2009 Lions have thrown themselves into the spirit of the tour, have interacted with the people of South Africa and shown themselves to be great ambassadors for northern hemisphere rugby."

"As a squad they have met many challenges on the tour including playing two matches per week, the inevitable injuries and two narrow Test losses. Despite this they have remained a tight, focussed squad and I know those playing in the Third Test will give their all to ensure that we achieve a victory on Saturday."

"It is fair to say injuries have had an impact on the tour as you would expect including selection for the Third Test as we were unfortunate to lose Brian O'Driscoll, Jamie Roberts, Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones through injury last Saturday. However, the players coming into the starting XV are all talented international players and are as keen as ever to turn the tables on the Springboks. Last Saturday we were minutes away from winning and that is a huge positive to take into the Third Test."

"Andrew Sheridan, Joe Worsley and Martyn Williams will all be part of a Lions starting XV for the first time. Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips, skipper Paul O'Connell and Jamie Heaslip will earn the distinction of being in the starting XV for all three Test matches."

Tour manager Gerald Davies added, "The tour has been a wonderful experience and the team spirit has confirmed the best traditions of the Lions continues. The tour concludes on Saturday with the third and final Test in Johannesburg. The players are determined to ensure that all their hard work during the 10-match tour is rewarded with a Test victory. There is no doubt that little has separated the British & Irish Lions and the Springboks so far in what has been a tremendous series. Saturday should prove to be another great match."

The Springboks also make a host of changes, introducing Zane Kirchner of the Blue Bulls at fullback for his first cap and Morné Steyn for his first start in the Springbok jersey after his match winning super-sub effort last week.

In the pack, Bismarck du Plessis makes way for Chiliboy Ralepelle, Johann Muller makes his first start for two years in place of the banned Bakkies Botha while Brussow comes in for the banned Burger. Ryan Kankowski is handed the number 8. shirt in place of Pierre Spies after the man mountain failed to have the impact some, including myself thought he would.

Behind the scrum, South Africa field an entirely new backline with only scrum-half Fourie du Preez retained from the 2nd test. Olivier partners second test try scorer Jaque Fourie in the centres while Odwa Ndungane and Jongi Nokwe both start on the wing adding to their fledgling international careers.

Clarifying his intent to widen the Springbok player base, head coach Peter De Villiers had the following to say on the selection. “This is a very strong side. At the end of the Vodacom Super 14 I wanted to have 28 players who could play for the Springboks at any time and I think we’ve achieved that goal. I’m very happy with this selection."

BOD & Hair Bear Head Home

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-07-01T00:11:34+01:00

Brian O'Driscoll and Adam Jones have both been forced to return home due to injuries sustained in the 2nd test. Their tours are both now unfortunately over. Adam Jones suffered a dislocated shoulder in a collision with Bakkies Botha, while O'Driscoll suffered concussion following a series of heavy collisions including one with Dannie Roussow which forced both players from the field. Both will return to their home unions for further treatment.

Discussing the tour, O'Driscoll said: "Being a part of the 2009 British and Irish Lions squad has been one of the highlights of my career. "We were unbeaten leading into the Test matches and it is a shame that the results in the Tests did not go our way but sport comes down to fine margins at times."

"We could easily have won the first two Tests but it wasn't to be. I have decided to return home to my family this week after a very long season and to ensure I give myself every opportunity to recuperate."

Jones expressed similar disappointment: "It is always disappointing to be ruled out of a Test series through injury but I am proud of what the squad and I have achieved on the tour. Personally, I will always remember playing in the two first Tests and especially running on for my debut in the starting XV at Loftus Versfeld. My heart will be with the boys on Saturday."

Both have played superbly for the Lions and we wish them all the best on their recovery.

Johann Muller Called Up By Boks

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-29T16:09:18+01:00

Peter De Villiers has today called Sharks lock Johann Muller into the Springbok squad ahead of the final test in Johannesburg. The Springboks were looking lean in the second row department after Bakkies Botha was banned for two weeks and Andries Bekker was ruled out with a torn knee cartilage.

Muller has not played for the Springboks since 2007 took part in the Springboks warm-up game against an Namibian Invitational XV in May.

In other news, Boks scrum-half Fourie du Preez and centre Jean de Villiers have both been cleared to play in the final test after seeing a shoulder specialist for injuries sustained in Pretoria on Saturday. Dannie Roussow is being monitored after sustaining concussion and will follow the usual return to play protocol.

Burger & Botha Recieve Bans

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-29T09:48:07+01:00

Bakkies Botha and Schalk Burger have both been banned following incidents in the 2nd Test this weekend. Burger, who was found guilty of gouging by a citing tribunal received 8 weeks, while Botha who was found guilty of dangerous charging cops a 2 week ban.

Burger who was spotted using fingers in the eye area of Lions wing Luke Fitzgerald within the 1st minute of Saturday's game was yellow carded at the time following a recommendation to Christophe Berdos from assistant referee Bryce Lawrence. The 2nd Test marked Burger's 50th cap and a return to rugby after 8 weeks sidelined with injury.

Botha's charge left Lions prop Adam Jones with a dislocated shoulder and unfortunately ended his involvement with the tour. Steve Hinds, the IRB citing comissioner, flagged both incidents and passed them on to Alan Hudson the IRB judicial officer. Fitzgerald gave evidence at the hearing and was supported by Lions lawyer, Richard Smith.

While the bans rule both players out of the third test, Burger will also miss the opening three matches of this years Tri-Nations. Within the team camps, the perception surrounding the gouging incident couldn't be more converse. Ian McGeechan's view was clear, "It should be automatically a red card as I understand it. To me that it is never part of the game, I could never condone actions like that."

Springbok coach Peter De Villiers however didn't agree, "I don't believe it was a card at all. In the first minute already there had been a lot of needle and if you watch the whole game you will see how many yellow cards they were let off. This is sport, this is what it's about. If things were clear-cut then we shouldn't even bother preparing for a game. Everyone is entitled to their opinion."

Responding to De Villiers comments, McGeechan said: "I am very disappointed if that's what he said because for me you can't see that and say it's a part of the game that I would ever want to be associated with."

Lions Injuries Rub Salt in the Wounds

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-28T11:31:47+01:00

With one test left to play, the British & Irish Lions have a horrendous injury list following the lost second test. Both props who started the match, Jenkins and Jones, both centres, O'Driscoll and Roberts and winger Tommy Bowe are all carrying injuries.

The props have already been ruled out, Adam Jones with a dislocated shoulder that required surgery, and Gethin Jenkins with a fractured cheekbone. O'Driscoll is suffering with concussion following a dodgy challenge on Springbok Dannie Rossouw while Tommy Bowe has an elbow injury and Jamie Roberts a wrist injury. All three backs are in doubt for the final test in Johannesburg.

Lions doctor James Robson said: "It certainly was a fairly brutal game. As the casualty list goes it is not something I am happy with. To lose two of our most colourful characters in Gethin and Adam is distressing. Gethin has had a plastic plate inserted. The timescale for his recovery is six to eight weeks.

"We couldn't get Adam's shoulder to pop back in at the stadium and he was required to go to theatre. He will be subject to further investigation and specialist opinion. Brian is very much alert and conscious today but he is subject to the usual return to play protocol."

Lions Defeated In Pretoria 28-25

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-27T15:53:58+01:00

The Lions lost the series this afternoon as they suffered a last minute defeat against the Springboks to lose the game 28-25. After an absolutely massive first 40 performance, the Lions lost both props Jones and Jenkins, both centres, Roberts and O'Driscoll all to injury and the Springboks came back fiercely.

A brilliant try up the middle from Bryan Habana, and a quite incredible finish in the corner from Jaque Fourie gave the Boks the lead before a majestic penalty kick from Stephen Jones pushed the Lions level. With the score standing at 25 all, O'Gara lofted a huge kick into the air, charged down the pitch but match referee Cristophe Berdos adjudged O'Gara to have taken the catcher in the air.

Morné Steyn stepped up to the kicking tee on his home ground and from 54m bisected the uprights to win the match and seal the series for the Springboks. It was a very bitter pill to swallow for the Lions after what was frankly one of the most incredible test matches of recent times.

To be perfectly honest, I'm too gutted to write anything more right now other than to express my incredible dissapointment but also my incredible pride. The Lions were awesome today and the effort was truly valiant but credit must go to the Springboks - they are, clearly, the mightiest team in the world.

Where's The Match - 2nd Test

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-26T23:47:10+01:00

The Lions square up to the Springboks in the second test in what is now a must-win encounter.

- Kick-Off is at 2.00PM BST/3.00PM Local.

- Live on & 1.00PM - 4.30PM BST.

- For further rugby fixture info check Where's The Match.com

- Much as I'd love to provide live text coverage, I'm going to be far too involved tomorrow to be able to type straight. Tomorrow I'm simply going to be yelling at the telly, praying a lot and shouting instructions to Geech and co. Apologies for this but I'm sure you all understand!

Scrum Safari 2

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-26T21:25:09+01:00

The BBC have posted a follow up to their first scrum safari video, this time getting down and dirty with the Lions fans traveling all over South Africa in support of the tourists. It's an interesting look at the thing we all want to do, follow the Lions!

Check it out Here - BBC 'Scrum Safari 2'

Rugby Poetry!

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-26T15:06:40+01:00

Ok... this is quite strange, but it's just too good to not include. Rugby and poetry don't often go together but this is just a brilliant bit of wordsmithery so I thought I'd include it. Messrs "underwoodrfc" of the BBC's 606 message board penned this little ditty and with his permission I reproduce it here for your enjoyment!

One test down two more to go
Now's the time for a super show

For an hour last week it looked a sorry sight
Bullied, outmuscled it wasn't looking bright

The scrum it suffered always in retreat
To much power, to much heat

O'Driscoll and Roberts looked the part
And with a steady scrum it gave us heart

But our super comeback came up short
The South African team just could not be caught

So roll on Saturday let's get it on
An uphill battle don't get me wrong

Let's wound the Bok's, let's knock them back
And get this faltering tour back on track

Come on Hair Bear it's time to tame the beast
Work him hard at the very least

Don't be bullied and pushed around
Let's dominate the battleground

If in trouble just call the sign
All in lads, ninety-nine

I'll miss the game I'm off to a wedding
To a church I'll be heading

So while I'm there I'll say a little prayer
Let's beat those Bok's in their Springbok lair

So come on you Lions now is the time
If you don't win tomorrow I'll write another crappy rhyme

Lions, Lions, Lions...................

By "underwoodrfc"

Breaking The Boks - A Discussion Of Strategy

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-26T14:09:06+01:00

The British & Irish Lions tomorrow face the Springboks in what will be the most important game of their rugby playing careers. It's simply must win.

Despite being the world's best team, the Boks are vulnerable and the Lions good enough to exploit their weaknesses. We take a look at what the Lions need to do to turn the tables.

Breaking The Boks - A Discussion of Strategy

Highlights From The Last Week

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-26T12:13:34+01:00

Given the dissapointment of the last two games for Lions fans, the term 'highlights' is used loosely. Still, for those who want to see, I've included 'highlights' videos from the last two Lions games - the 1st Test loss and the draw with the Emerging Boks. I've got my fingers crossed for a more positive highlights reel to show this weekend! I'm working on a piece looking at strategy for the 2nd Test. I'm sure Geech and co. will pay attention and everything will turn out ok ;-)!

Lions Videos Around The Web

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-26T11:43:10+01:00

There are a number of interesting Lions video's knocking around the web that I thought it was worth drawing your attention to. First off, ESPN Scrum have finished their At Home With The Invincibles series. This basically consists of a bunch of Lions legends from the 1974 tour round at Roger Uttley's house having a good old chin-wag about the mightiest Lions tour of them all. It's interesting stuff.

HSBC, sponsors of the current tour have also got an interesting video of Gareth Edwards and Gavin Hastings discussing the Lions prospects running into the 2nd test tomorrow. For those of you who can't get enough of the Lions, I recommend it.

Finally, for anyone who hasn't bought the Lions iPhone app (if you have an iPhone of course), I really recommend it. You get a new video clip every now and again, and while they're short and not quite the same as Living With Lions, they are genuinely behind the scenes. Highlights include Lenny the Lion suffering a horrendous gym injury - brilliant animatronics all around... - and Alun-Wyn showing off his 'interesting' juggling skills in Lions Skills School.

At Home With the Invincibles - Part 1
At Home With the Invincibles - Part 2
At Home With the Invincibles - Part 3
At Home With the Invincibles - Part 4
At Home With the Invincibles - Part 5
At Home With the Invincibles - Part 6

Gareth & Gavin Discuss The 2nd Test

Lions App For the iPhone

Byrne Ruled Out of Tour

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-25T16:05:36+01:00

Lee Byrne has been ruled out of the remainder of the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa due to injury. Byrne, who has been recovering from a foot injury, damaged his left thumb in training today and will return to his club for further treatment.

His loss only compounds difficulties for the Lions. Byrne has been superb all tour and is one of the world's best fullbacks, and while Rob Kearney has been playing well the Lions could have done with the boost of Byrne's return from injury. Due to the late stage of the tour, the Lions management have confirmed that they won't call for a replacement at this stage.

Lee Byrne said,"I am very disappointed that I got injured in training today and that my tour is over. I was recovering from my foot injury and was taking part in training when I hurt my thumb in a freak accident."

"To be ruled out of the tour at this stage with just two matches left is devastating. Returning home immediately is the right thing to do as it means I can get the right medical treatment straight away. I wish the boys all the best for the rest of the tour."

We wish Lee all the best with his recovery and hope that he might still be on the scene in 2013.

Lions Squad for The 2nd Test

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-25T12:16:04+01:00

The British & Irish Lions to face the Springboks in the must-win second test is as follows:

British & Irish Lions XV for 2nd Test

1. Gethin Jenkins
2. Matthew Rees
3. Adam Jones
4. Simon Shaw
5. Paul O'Connell (c)
6. Tom Croft
7. David Wallace
8. Jamie Heaslip
9. Mike Phillips
10. Stephen Jones
11. Luke Fitzgerald
12. Jamie Roberts
13. Brian O'Driscoll
14. Tommy Bowe
15. Rob Kearney

Replacements

16. Ross Ford
17. Andy Sheridan
18. Alun-Wyn Jones
19. Martyn Williams
20. Harry Ellis
21. Ronan O'Gara
22. Shane Williams

The starting 15 shows 5 changes from the one that took the field in Durban last Saturday. In the front row, Matthew Rees and Adam Jones join Gethin Jenkins to make up the first entirely welsh front row since 1955, while behind Simon Shaw claims Alun-Wyn Jones 4 shirt, Luke Fitzgerald takes Ugo Monye's spot on the wing and Rob Kearney comes into the side at 15 for the injured Lee Byrne.

On the bench Ross Ford, Andrew Sheridan and Shane Williams are new additions, but there is no space for Donncha O'Callaghan, Lee Mears and Phil Vickery or Ugo Monye all of whom drop out of the match day 22. The selection is a strong statement of intent from Ian McGeechan and the Lions management that they will continue to select on form, regardless of how harsh, ruthless or bold those selection calls may be.

Donncha O'Callaghan can consider himself unlucky as he was vying with Shaw and Jones for the other lock berth and after impressive performances against the Southern Kings, the Springboks and the Emerging Boks was beginning to hit a rich vein of form. The coaching staff have repayed the performances of Adam Jones and Matthew Rees with promotion from the bench directly into the starting line up and Luke Fitzgerald, who didn't even feature in last weekend's 22, now finds himself promoted directly into the starting 15.

The Lions meet the Boks for the second test match in Pretoria at Loftus Versfeld this Saturday. The game is a 'must-win' for the Lions as they currently trail the series 1-0. Loftus Versfeld, home of the Blue Bulls is a rugby stronghold in South Africa and the Lions can expect a hostile reception from the home crowd. Despite this, the huge traveling Lions supporters contingent are expected to be in fine voice and will pose a significant challenge for the locals in the singing and cheering stakes.

Speaking to the media following the team announcement, Lions coach Ian McGeechan said: "As a squad, the Lions still have everything to play for. The players know that the outcome of the Test series comes down to Saturday, and they are determined to take the series to a decider in Johannesburg."

"There were many positives to come out of the first Test that we have built upon this week. We have made five changes to the starting XV, but it will not change the way we want to play. Both teams will be better for the run last weekend, and we know we will have to step up our performance to ensure that we again take the game to the opposition and are more accurate in taking our opportunities.

Hines Banned for One Week

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-24T14:10:06+01:00

Following a citing by judicial officer Alan Hudson, Nathan Hines has been banned for one-week. The Scot made a tackle on Wilhelm Steenkamp in the 9th minute of last nights match against the Emerging Springboks and while it went unpunished by match referee Alain Rolland, the citing commissioner decided that the incident warranted further review.

Hines has 24 hours to appeal the ban, but if he does not, or a challenge is unsuccessful, he will now miss the second test in Pretoria.

Hines Cited For Dangerous Tackle

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-24T10:43:15+01:00

Nathan Hines has been cited for an allegedly dangerous tackle on his opposite number Wilhelm Steenkamp during last nights draw against the Emerging Springboks. The citing official picked up on the incident after it went unpunished by referee Alain Rolland.

Hines is the first player to be cited during the tour and will face judicial officer Alan Hudson in Cape Town where a decision will be made. Hines is in with a shout of a second test berth - along with all the other Lions locks - and a ban at this point would certainly end those chances.

We'll have further news on this incident as it develops.

Lions Draw At Newlands: Lions 13-13 Emerging Boks

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-24T00:26:25+01:00

The British & Irish Lions had to settle for a 13 all draw at Newlands this evening as the Emerging Boks recovered from a slow start to tie a game which the Lions consistently failed to close out. In the dying moments, Bok replacement Demas went over in the corner to leave Willem De Waal a massive pressure kick from the right touch line to pull the Boks level. In the wind and rain, the young Western Province man stepped up on his home ground and slotted it to leave it 13-13 and the game finished.

After an impressive start in horrendous conditions the Lions applied the pressure before Keith Earls crossed on 14 mins. A nice step checked the Boks defence and the fullback darted through for the score. From this point on however, the Lions went 52 mins without adding to their score despite making a number of positive forays into Springbok territory.

Throughout the game the Springboks grew and grew into the game and with the addition of De Waal the South African kicking game thoroughly outclassed the Lions. It was an impressive display of we weather rugby from the Boks but at the same time, given opportunities, the Lions simply failed to close out the match. Earl Rose chipped away at the Lions lead via penalties and at 49mins with the score 6-10 in the Lions favour the tourists seemed to forget that they were only four points to the good.

It was a frustrating display for Lions fans as the tourists squandered good attacking ball repeatedly and time and again visited the Boks red-zone and returned empty handed. No opportunity was manufactured to drop a goal and instead the Lions seemed content to kick aimlessly at times. Keith Earls at fullback was constantly peppered with perfectly weighted high-balls from De Waal, Kirchner and Rose and deserves commending for his calm perseverance.

Finally, on 76mins the Lions won a penalty and Hook converted to push them 13-6 ahead. However the Boks refused to be beaten and changed their kicking game for a running game. Pushing the Lions back into their 22 they took the opportunity as soon as it was provided and worked space for Demas in the corner. For such a youthful team the Emerging Boks game management was considerably better than the Lions and despite decent individual play at times, the tourists lacked nous throughout.

O'Gara substitution on 45 mins only compounded the issue. Clearly the management wanted to give James Hook some field time following his absence with injury, but you've got to question the decision making from a team that's crying out for an injection of momentum. O'Gara had been playing the kind of controlled tactical game the Lions needed, firing balls high into the lashing rain, pinning the corners and grubbering through and given the situation it was an interesting, though clearly pre-determined, call to sub him.

Credit must go to the Emerging Boks however. It was a hugely patient performance from a young side who thanks to a dominant kicking game and a solid second half defence found the opportunity late on to level the contest.

The Lions head to Pretoria and Loftus Versfeld short on confidence and low on momentum. They've got it all to do.

UPDATED - Springboks For The 2nd Test

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-23T13:40:50+01:00

The Springbok side to tackle the Lions in the second test is as follows:

Springbok XV

1. Tendai Mtawarira
2. Bismarck du Plessis
3. John Smit – Captain
4. Bakkies Botha
5. Victor Matfield
6. Schalk Burger
7. Juan Smith
8. Pierre Spies
9. Fourie du Preez
10. Ruan Pienaar
11. Bryan Habana
12. Jean de Villiers
13. Adi Jacobs
14. JP Pietersen
15. Frans Steyn

Reserves:

16. Chiliboy Ralepelle
17. Deon Carstens
18. Andries Bekker
19. Danie Rossouw
20. Heinrich Brüssow
21. Jaque Fourie
22. Morné Steyn

The main change to the side sees Schalk Burger return to the 6 shirt to win his 50th cap at the expense of Henrich Brüssow, despite the Cheetah having such a successful game in the 1st test. It's no surprise really, given that Peter De Villiers recently said that he based 60% of what the Boks did up front around the huge presence of Schalk Burger. Brüssow has to settle for a spot on the bench.

The Bok management have chosen to retain Adi Jacobs at centre and Jaque Fourie and Morné Steyn once again have to settle for bench spots. The changes to the bench see Ricky Januarie lose his spot while Chiliboy Ralepelle comes in to the side in place of Gurthrö Steenkamp. The Springboks clearly plan to tighten the screw on what is now perceived to be a weak Lions front row.

Peter De Villiers has settled on a 5/2 split between backs and forwards and there is the distinct sense that he plans to shut the Lions down at source in scrum, lineout and breakdown. With no reserve scrum-half, Ruan Pienaar provides cover with Morné Steyn the recognised bench 10.

“We believe in the abilities of our players and we are confident that they will take things up a few notches on Saturday,” said Springbok coach, Peter de Villiers.

“We are a squad of 22 focused on a common objective, which is to go out and win a Test Series against a very good Lions team. We know that we will be faced by a Lions team that will be playing to level the Test Series and will provide us with a stern test. We must make sure that we are more than equal to the task.”
The Lions meet the Springboks in what is a 'must-win' game for the tourists this Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.

Where's The Match? - Emerging Springboks

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-23T11:47:54+01:00

It's the last chance to press a case for test selection as the Lions meet the Emerging Springboks in the final midweek game this evening:

- Kick-Off is at 6.10PM BST/7.10PM Local.

- Live on & 5.30PM - 8.30PM BST.

- For further rugby fixture info check Where's The Match.com

- Once again my job is getting in the way of my passion! Some numpty has arranged a meeting with me for 8 this evening so I'm afraid I won't be able to offer live text updates. I'll be watching the game as soon as I'm back though and will have player ratings for you tomorrow.

ROG To Lead Lions in Cape Town

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-22T12:48:04+01:00

The British & Irish Lions to face the Emerging Springboks in Cape Town are as follows:

15. Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland)
14. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)
13. Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England)
12. Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster/Ireland)
11. Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland)
10. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland) Captain
9. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)
8. Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
7. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
6. Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England)
5. Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland)
4. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
3. John Hayes (Munster/Ireland)
2. Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland)
1. Tim Payne (London Wasps/England)

Replacements:
16. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
17. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
18. Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England)
19. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
20. Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland)
21. James Hook (Ospreys/Wales)
22. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)

Tim Payne and John Hayes, both fresh off the plane, will start at prop, while Ronan O'Gara captains the side from 10 and becomes the fourth irishman to skipper the Lions on this tour. Gordon D'Arcy and Riki Flutey are handed another opportunity to try and gel as a centre pairing and Lee Mears, Phil Vickery, David Wallace and Ugo Monye, all starters in the 1st test, are included on the bench.

James Hook is selecting on the bench after being given the all clear by a consultant neurologist. It's a welcome boost for the Lions after a difficult past week.

Tour manager Gerald Davies said in the press conference, "Following the disappointment of Saturday's result against South Africa in Durban the squad is now concentrating on the next challenge and getting the tour back to winning ways. The Emerging Springboks represent the perfect opportunity for the squad to put the First Test behind them and to create a focus for the Second Test on Saturday."

Geech added, "There were many positives that came out of the Test match on Saturday. The Emerging Springboks match, and our training this week, will allow us to build on these plus address areas we know we need to improve on. There is still a lot to play for and the players are well aware of that."

"The mood in camp is still very positive due to the fact that we did come very close to winning on Saturday and the fact that we created so many scoring opportunities. The players are well aware of the importance of the match tomorrow against the Emerging Springboks. We need to step up our performance against a talented outfit whose players, like ours, will be determined to show that they are worthy of a Test place. It should be a great match."

"The two latest squad members Tim Payne and John Hayes will start against the Emerging Springboks to give them immediate field time. This is important in terms of the balance of the squad as three of our other props played in the Test match only two days ago and Andrew Sheridan is recovering from injury."

"Ronan O'Gara will lead the team against the Emerging Springboks which is a well deserved honour for a senior player who has served Munster, Ireland and the British & Irish Lions with distinction," added McGeechan.

Emerging Boks Emerge

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-22T12:13:52+01:00

The Emerging Springbok side to face the British & Irish Lions this Tuesday is as follows:

Emerging Springboks:

15. Zane Kirchner (Blue Bulls)
14. Luzuko Vulindlu (The Sharks)
13. Deon van Rensburg (Leopards)
12. Morgan Newman (Western Province)
11. Bjorn Basson (Griquas)
10. Earl Rose (Golden Lions)
9. Jano Vermaak (Golden Lions)
8. Duane Vermeulen (Western Province)
7. Jean Deysel (Sharks)
6. Dewald Potgieter (c) (Blue Bulls)
5. Wilhelm Steenkamp (Blue Bulls)
4. Steven Sykes (Sharks)
3. Werner Kruger (Blue Bulls)
2. Bandise Maku (Blue Bulls)
1. Wian du Preez (Free State Cheetahs).

Replacements:

16. Tiaan Liebenberg (Western Province)
17. Pat Cilliers (Sharks)
18. Franco van der Merwe (Golden Lions)
19. Jacques Botes (Sharks)
20. Heini Adams (Blue Bulls)
21. Willem de Waal (Western Province)
22. Danwel Demas (Free State Cheetahs)

At 10, coach Dick Muir has picked Earl Rose as his preferred choice and allies him with Jano Vermaak at 9. Vermaak is one of a number of players for whom this will be the second outing against the Lions. The lineup looks pretty potent and many of the players will be out for revenge given their provincial defeats at the hands of the tourists.

The Lions meet the Emerging Boks this Tuesday afternoon in the last of the tours midweek games. The onus is on the midweek side to get the Lions back to winning ways. The tour is not yet over.

Hook's Fate in Neurosurgeon's Hands

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-22T11:58:23+01:00

James Hook is set to hear the fate of his Lions tour today when he meets with a neurologist to assess the head injury he sustained in the early exchanges of last weeks game against the Southern Kings. James Robson, chief doctor on the tour has described the medical team as having 'high hopes' for the result.

Meanwhile, Lee Byrne, who was subbed off in the first test is racing to recover from an injury to the foot which is thought to be a recurrence of an earlier problem. The injury to the arch of the foot has the full-back racing to be in contention for the second test.

We'll keep you posted on the state of both injuries.

Payne Joins The Lions

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-21T18:06:13+01:00

The Lions have called up England prop Tim Payne as cover for squad injuries. Fellow English prop Andrew Sheridan is suffering with a back injury and despite treatment is recovering slowly.

Commenting on the call up, Ian McGeechan said, "Tim Payne has been called up to provide essential cover for the front row as Andrew Sheridan is responding slowly to treatment for a sore back following the Southern Kings match. "We simply can't go into this week without sufficient cover at loose-head prop as we play the Emerging Springboks and the Springboks in the space of five days.
"Tim Payne will arrive match fit having played in all three of England's recent international matches against the Barbarians and Argentina. We are still hopeful that Andrew Sheridan will respond to the medical regime he is currently undergoing."

Lions Defeated in Durban Lions 21-26 South Africa

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-21T17:44:03+01:00

So, it wasn't to be in the first test. After being brutalised by the Boks in the first half the Lions helped restore some NH rugby pride despite a disappointing defeat. They showed heart, anger and frustration, all valid emotions given the scoreline. In the final twenty the Lions threw everything at the Boks and came so close, but sadly it was not to be.

I've spent the last 24hrs immersed in my day job, so apologies to you all for the lack of coverage during the last few days. I'm back on the same page as you all now. I'll be taking the next few days to analyse the game in intricate detail. Common wisdom says that a loss in the first test, particularly in this series, can't be overcome. I'm going to throw that songbook out the window because the Lions don't look like a beaten side, and quite frankly, I'm not interested in negativity.

The Lions were frankly dominated in the first 50 mins, but once the scrum was shored up, the Lions began to turn the tide. Humiliation was not going to be allowed on the menu. Huge credit to South Africa, they looked like the world class side they are, full of players thriving under pressure and ferocious up front. I've still gotta rewatch the match - I spent the first go screaming at the tele - but once I have, I'll be making up for lost time with analysis and comment.

Cheers for the patience guys, was gutted to have missed the match live.

Good Luck Boys!!!

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-20T00:28:11+01:00

It's been great fun covering the Lions tour so far. Myself and Matt George have written a couple of pieces covering the 1st Test: It Comes Down To Desire and What A Difference A Year Makes.

Above all though, we want to wish the Lions the very best going into tomorrow's first test. We're good enough to turn this lot over and while we can't be there ourselves, tens of thousands of Lions supporters will be going crazy in the stands and millions more cheering on at home. We'll have our jaws set, our shirts on and our belief ready.

Good Luck Lions!!!

Where's the Match - The 1st Test!

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-19T23:55:02+01:00

The time is here. The waiting is nearly over. 80 mins to play, 80 mins to win. The Lions meet the Springboks at the ABSA Stadium in Durban on Saturday afternoon, here's all the coverage details:

- Kick-Off is at 2.00PM BST/3.00PM Local.

- Live on & 1.00PM - 4.30PM BST.

- For further rugby fixture info check Where's The Match.com

- I'm genuinely gutted to say that I won't be able to provide live text coverage as usual. Shockingly, I'm forced to miss the match as I'm photographing a wedding in the afternoon. (Some people have no class :-P). Instead I recommend the BBC live coverage or try Justin.tv for a live feed.

- If Radio is more your thing, BBC 5 Live will have coverage from 2PM. Available online on digital radio or 909/693 AM via analog.

Warren Gatland Discusses the 1st Test

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-19T18:14:16+01:00

The Lions media team have issued some interesting thoughts and comments from Warren Gatland, Lions forwards coach, ahead of the 1st test. We offer his thoughts in full:

"A Lions Test in South Africa definitely rates up there as one of the biggest occasions in my coaching career. When you see so many supporters out here you realise it is a huge occasion," said Gatland.

"But we are here as a group, players, management and medical team, to win a series. I've said all along I've been incredibly privileged to be a part of this tour.

"When we first joined up it was the first time I'd actually got a buzz that reminded me of how I felt as a player with the All Blacks.There is so much about the history and traditions of the Lions.

"There's a lot of pressure on us, a lot of people wanting us to do well. We've got the best players to chose from, players that are incredibly motivated to perform well when they put on their jersey.

"Paul O'Connell summed it up on day one - he's a proud Munsterman, a proud Irishman and at the pinnacle of his career, yet he is putting a Lions jersey on tomorrow and that is the pinnacle for him."

Here are Gatland's thoughts on the game.

THE SPRINGBOKS AS FAVOURITES

The Springboks are the best team in the world at the moment. They are the world champions, they were undefeated in their Autumn Series and they are a very settled side. They have a lot of experience, a team with a huge number of caps. From that point of view you've got to talk yourself up a bit and go into the game with a huge amount of confidence.

MOBILITY THE KEY FOR THE LIONS

If we get involved in a set piece battle, a real physical one-on-one confrontation, I think that is something the South African's would enjoy. They are very good at that. So we've gone for mobility. We've got to move their pack around, try and play through lots of phases and ask some questions of their tight five. That's very much the plan we are going into the game with.

IMPORTANCE OF THE REFEREE

We are just looking for clarity and consistency from the referees in their interpretation of the breakdown. In each game we've found there has been a difference in interpretation and during the games we've had to adapt depending on the ways the referee has controlled that particular area.
I know that during the ELVs in Super 14 there was less respect for the breakdown because the sanction was only a free kick. Now it's a full on penalty which could result in three points. We are just hoping that the ref is going to be really strong in that area and to get a bit of space and let both teams play some pretty positive rugby.
We me Bryce Lawrence on Thursday night and I think he wants both teams to be very positive at the breakdown - he wants a contest there. If that doesn't happen then he will have to take things into his own hands. He has put the pressure back on us to try and play as positively as we can and we are more than happy with that interpretation.

ARE THE SPRINGBOKS UNDERCOOKED?

There is always that unknown quantity in terms of the first game of any series. We can take a lot of confidence out of France's performance last week against the All Blacks. Traditionally it's normally the first Test in which you do get an opportunity to catch the home team a little underdone. I know they are talking about being prepared, being ready for it and not being underdone. But we've got six games under our belt now and a lot of training sessions. So we've got to go into this first Test with some confidence and self-belief. We're expecting them to really come out and be very physical from the start. I think the South Africans' are very proud of their rugby heritage and tradition and they will be reminded of what happened in 1997. They definitely won't want a repeat of that.

THE OPENING EXCHANGES

It's a little bit of wait and see, but we've really got to go out there and impose our game on them as much as possible. Our scrums been very good and dominant in the games that we have played and we've got to use that. We've got a line-out that can deliver us good ball and, in terms of the mobility of the forward pack, we think we can get around the park. We've got some players in our backline that can get us across the advantage line. There's a nice mix and there are a lot of players who should go into the game with a lot of confidence.

CONFIDENCE IN THE LIONS CAMP

It is our job as coaches to give the players that confidence through the way we prepare, train and perform. We're six wins from six games at the moment and now we are really looking forward to the first Test in front of a big crowd. Seeing all the supporters arriving has been quite overwhelming really. Ian McGeechan said to me yesterday that now he knows what it's like for me living in Wales. It gives the guys a lot of belief and confidence knowing that there is a huge amount of support for us.

THE THREAT OF HEINRICH BRUSSOW

Brussow played really well against us for the Cheetahs. He is a player we're going to have to get off the ball and clear away from the breakdown. That is his strength. He's not a real ball carrying threat. He's not a big physical defender, but he tackles around the legs and gets on the ball really well. We've worked hard this week to try to eliminate that threat because if we can do a good job in that area its going to get us some quality ball, some ball on the front foot.

SPRINGBOK WEAKNESSES

I don't think there are any weaknesses in the South African team. They've got some fantastic players. Ruan Pienaar is a world class player, one the best No10s in the world, but he hasn't played a lot of rugby. If Adi Jacobs has a slight weakness it is his defence. But if you look at his try scoring record, and the number of times he gets across that white line, he's a fantastic attacking player. He is very quick and has two of the best wingers in world rugby outside him. Frans Steyn is a big kicking threat and we've got to be aware of his threat in terms of drop goals. There's not a huge amount of weaknesses in their backline - just a huge amount of speed, a lot of experience and a lot of attacking opportunities.

UPDATED - Hayes Offered Lions Call Up

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-18T16:26:01+01:00

The British & Irish Lions have called up Irish prop John Hayes as a replacement for the injured Euan Murray. The Munsterman has 94 Irish caps to his name and is famous for his incredible passion for rugby both on and off the field. He is also Ireland's most capped player and was considered by some to have been unlikely to have been excluded in the first place.

Commenting on the irishman, Geech said, "John Hayes has been called up to replace Euan Murray who sustained an ankle injury in the match against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth. The medical team have now fully assessed his injury and have determined that the injury is serious enough to mean he will play no further part on the tour."

"Euan left the field because of the injury and has damaged the structures around the ankle joint. He is subject to further assessment, treatment and specialist opinion but may require surgical repair. John Hayes will be a straight swap for Euan in the squad."

"John Hayes is an experienced international front row forward who has played 94 times for his country. He was an integral part of the Irish Grand Slam win this year. He also played four provincial matches on the 2005 tour to New Zealand and won a Lions Test cap against Argentina prior to the tour."

He is expected to join the tour this weekend in Durban.

Thoughts & Facts From the Lions Camp

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-18T16:08:02+01:00

The British & Irish Lions distributed some interesting articles to the media this afternoon. Firstly, some words of comment from a few of the Lions selected to feature in Saturday's first test, and secondly an interesting 'Stats & Facts' look at today's Lions compared with Lions of the past.

Thoughts:

Jamie Heaslip

"We have to be aggressive at the breakdown in both attack and defence and hopefully come out on top. There are some grey areas at the breakdown with the new laws with the tackler being given a lot more leeway.

"I want to do the jersey proud and I think we've got a good chance of winning. It's been a great year for me so far with the Irish Grand Slam and Leinster winning the Heineken Cup and so winning the Test series would be a great way to round things off."

Tom Croft

"I've always been a fully paid up member of the back row club, even though I've appeared in the second row for Leicester and England. Now I guess everyone will see I'm a back row forward.

"With Leicester I tend to play a more expansive role in my position, but here it is more about the close quarter stuff. I'm enjoying that role.

"As a No 6 you need a No 7 who can shift off the back of the line-out and David Wallace can certainly do that. He has got great ball skills and is a good runner."

Paul O'Connell

"It's a great team, our focus is good, we know what we are doing and I think we've got a great chance.

"We had a good training session today and the spirit is there. The next few days are going to be important in ticking off the little details that can make such a big difference.

"When we've got the little things right on this tour we've looked a very good side. But we know the Springboks are the best team in the world, a really serious side who are going to provide us with a massive challenge.

"The Lions fans are a massive part of the whole Lions experience and we've already seen and heard them in Durban. Every bit of help you can get on a Lions tour is gratefully received and hopefully they can help us to do it."

Stats & Facts

David Wallace is all set to follow in the footsteps of his elder brother Paul by playing against the Springboks for the British & Irish Lions in a Test match. Back in 1997, Paul was one of the shock inclusions in the Test pack to take on the reigning world champions. Twelve years on it will be Munster flanker David's turn to tackle to current holders of the Rugby World Cup. Paul made his debut in a 25-16 victory at Newlands, Cape Town, while David's big day will be at the ABSA Stadium in Durban this weekend. He will be one of 10 Lions making their Test debuts in the starting line-up.

It will be only the fourth test between the Springboks and the Lions in Durban and Paul O'Connell's men will be looking to make it 2-2. The Boks were 7-3 winners in 1924 and then triumphed 3-0 in 1962. Martin Johnson's side clinched the series at King's Park, now the ABSA Stadium, in 1997 when they won the second test 18-15. Five penalties from the boot of Neil Jenkins and a drop goal from Jeremy Guscott clinched a famous victory - and series triumph.

They say that winning the first Test in any series is vital and the statistics back up that statement. This will be the 13th series played between the Springboks and Lions in South Africa and the side that won the first Test has gone on to take the series nine times previously.

The 1891, 1896, 1974 and 1997 Lions all won the first Test and then the series, while the Springboks did the same in 1910, 1924, 1938, 1968 and 1980. The odd years out were 1903 and 1962, when the first games were drawn, and 1955. In both 1903 and 1962 the Springboks went on to clinch the series' while in 1955 the Lions triumphed in Johannesburg before sharing the series 2-2.

The breakdown of the countries and clubs from which the Lions Test team is drawn is as follows. In the starting XV, there are 6 Welsh, 5 Irish and 4 English players. In the 22 those numbers rise to 9 Welsh, 8 Irish and 5 English.

On the club front, the Ospreys have four in the starting XV and five overall. Cardiff Blues, Leinster and Munster have two each in the starting line-up, while Munster have two more among the replacements and the others one more each. For three players in the Lions 22 for Durban it will be their first chance to face the Springboks. Ospreys and Ireland wing Tommy Bowe, Leinster and Ireland No 8 Jamie Heaslip and full back Rob Kearney have yet to meet the world champions.

On the other hand, England prop Phil Vickery will be packing down against them for an 11th time. He has a 50% record to date and will be hoping to go into credit with a sixth win at the weekend.

Scarlets and Wales outside half has scored 60 points against South Africa, but yet to taste victory in six outings. He made his debut against the Springboks in Pretoria in 1998 when he came on as a replacement in Wales' record 96-13 defeat.

Euan Murray's Tour Over

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-18T15:54:53+01:00

Euan Murray has been ruled out of the remainder of the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa. The prop has failed to recover from the ankle injury he suffered against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

An X-Ray confirmed that Murray had not broken any bones, but it is understood that he will play no further part in to tour. The ligament damage sustained to the sprained ankle is too severe to allow a likely recovery in a short time frame.

"Murray has an ankle injury that is going to keep him out beyond the end of the tour," said coach Ian McGeechan. "I have only just found out, but we will have to look at a short-term replacement for him."

We'll have more on this story as it develops and wish Euan all the best with the recovery.

Hook Out Of The Woods?

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-18T13:38:57+01:00

James Hook looks to be out of the woods as Ian McGeechan has stressed that the welsh fly-half will be fit to face the Emerging Springboks next Tuesday. The late call-up was forced off the pitch in the early exchanges of Tuesday's match against the Southern Kings following a blow to the head.

Ian McGeechan, commenting on the injury said, "James Hook trained today. He is being continuingly monitored by the medical staff, but he is doing well and we hope he will be available for Tuesday."

We have our fingers crossed for him and will have any further news for you as it becomes available.

UPDATED - LIONS TEAM FOR 1ST TEST

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-18T12:00:18+01:00

The British & Irish Lions team to face the Springboks in the 1st Test at the ASBA Stadium in Durban on Saturday is as follows:

15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)
10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)

8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)
7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
5. Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) Captain
4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
3. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
2. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

Replacements

16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
18. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
19. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
20. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)
21. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
22. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)

So, the speculation is over and the team is in the wild. Our predictions for the starting XV were spot on and the only places where Geech and POL disagreed was Kearney over Fitzgerald and O'Callaghan over Hines.

Paul O'Connell captains the side from lock as expected, while the half back pairing of Stephen Jones and Mike Phillips ends speculation that Ronan O'Gara could have pushed his case enough to warrant test team selection. The hotly contested no.7 shirt falls to David Wallace and Ugo Monye's performances to date have pushed him ahead of competitors Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Williams and even Rob Kearney.

The bench consists of a 4/3 split between forwards and backs with Welsh front row duo Rees and Jones pipping Sheridan and Ford to the post. The 22-man squad consists of 9 Welshman, 8 Irish and 5 Englishmen. No Scots have been selected. Euan Murray who was hotly tipped to be part of the squad has been rules out due to a sprained ankle sustained in the match against the Southern Kings on Tuesday.

Nathan Hines will also feel exceptionally unlucky to have missed out after a number of barnstorming performances in the 2nd row. Perhaps the surprise selection across the 22 is Donncha O'Callaghan on the bench. Most agreed that both Shaw and Hines had done more than the Munsterman, although his performance on Tuesday obviously thrust him into contention.

Other big losers are Fitzgerald who offers cover at centre, Andrew Sheridan who despite being labelled the most destructive scrummager in the NH by Cheetahs coach Naka Drotske is left out of the entire 22.

Geech and co. have chosen to go for very few wildcards in a team that to most has appeared to be relatively settled for some days now. Speaking to the media following the announcement, the head coach said, "The Test team has been picked on form following the six provincial matches. There were some very difficult calls to make as the players as a group and individually have done everything that we have asked of them and performed on the field."

"The preparation for the First Test has been very positive. It has been a challenge to reach the First Test with an unbeaten record as we have played a variety of provincial teams across the country."

"This challenge is a unique one in the modern rugby calendar in that it comes only in a Lions context these days. The players have had to adapt to preparing and playing more frequently. They have answered that challenge."

"It has been 20 years since a Lions team has won all of its' provincial matches leading up to the Test series so it is very satisfying to be in such a position. The entire squad and the management have worked hard to create an outstanding team environment. Everyone has done this very professionally and it is fair to say that I would not change anything that we have done so far."

"Playing South Africa on its home soil is one of the ultimate challenges for the British & Irish Lions,” added Davies, who was a victorious Lion in New Zealand 38 years ago. South Africa also happen to be world champions which adds an extra edge to the series, just as it did in 1997."

"The tradition between the Lions and the Springboks is legendary and after the six lead up provincial matches the rugby world is waiting with great anticipation for the First Test in Durban this Saturday."

Geech has stuck to his word and selected on form. None of the players involved could be considered to have been off form, and while there were contentious decisions to be made for the 11, 4, 10 and particularly 7 shirt, all the players selected have performed well.

The 1st Test will KO in Durban at the ASBA Stadium, otherwise known as Kings Park, on Saturday at 2pm BST.

1st Test - Our Team Prediction

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-18T11:38:15+01:00

There's only an hour to go, but it's make your mind up time. Pride of Lions has made it's predictions. This isn't a 'what we think should' be the team, but rather a 'what we think will' be the team. In reality, the two are nigh on the same - always the sign of a coaching team you can trust.

We're fully ready to be very wrong, they don't call Geech a wiley old so and so for nothing! Read our prediction here:

Pride of Lions - 1st Test Selection Prediction

Stay with us this afternoon for the team unveiling from 12.30pm onwards.

Lions 1st Test Announcement - Today

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-18T10:06:13+01:00

Today's the day. At 12.30PM BST, Ian McGeechan will unveil the British & Irish Lions test team for the 1st encounter with the Springboks this Saturday in Durban.

We'll have the team announcement as soon as it is available and will be dissecting it in detail. For the players, the waiting is already over. They hear the selection at training this morning so it's only us who have to wait now! The Springboks have already named their team and we'll be looking at some of the key match-ups, the possible areas of superiority for both teams and the tactical gameplans likely sitting in the coaches thoughts.

Keep checking back, we'll keep you posted!

BBC Go On a Scrum Safari!

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-17T21:47:34+01:00

The BBC have an interesting new behind the scenes look at what goes into following a British & Irish Lions tour from a media point of view in their new VT ‘Scrum Safari’.

The Beeb have done an awesome job recently of listening to their viewer/readership and adding loads of still and moving image content to their website. BBC Sport is one of the best internet destinations for the sport bonkers, so I really recommend you check it out. For those who follow Rugby via the BBC website, familiar faces Bryn Palmer and Simon Austin pop up as well.

Check it out Here - BBC 'Scrum Safari'

Hook's Tour in Jeopardy Due To Possible Concussion

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-17T14:04:08+01:00

James Hook's Lion tour remains in doubt while the fly-half waits to see whether concussion will rule him out of further matches. Hook will visit a neurosurgeon next week to assess whether or not he is suffering from medical concussion. Rugby laws state that players suffering from concussion must abide by a mandatory three week exclusion from contact.

We will bring you any further news as soon as it is available. In the meantime we wish both James Hook and Euan Murray all the best.

Lions Vs. Southern Kings - Highlights

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-17T13:46:35+01:00

Highlights from the Lions hard fought victory this afternoon at Newlands.The British & Irish side managed to grind out the win over a decent Western Province outfit with a late penalty from replacement James 'Kahunas' Hook. Despite the close final score, the Lions were clinical in the first half and outscored their opponents three tries to two.

Hook & Murray To Miss 1st Test

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-17T09:26:10+01:00

After injuries sustained against the Southern Kings XV in Port Elizabeth, both Euan Murray and James Hook will miss the first test on Saturday. At this stage, neither has been ruled out of the tour and both are described as 'ongoing assessments'.

Euan Murray was forced from the field with what has transpired to be a sprained ankle while James Hook suffered a blow to the head. Murray has had his foot put in a cast, but x-rays have revealed that there is no fracture.

Commenting on the Scot, Geech said, "The good news is that Euan has had an X-ray and there is no break. It is just a sprain. James took a knock to the head and we took him off as a precaution. He will be reviewed by our medical team on Wednesday.”

Lions Win Physical Encounter With Kings: Lions 20-8 Kings

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-16T16:00:41+01:00

The Lions managed to edge out a win over a ferociously physical Southern Kings XV this afternoon in Port Elizabeth. The Lions were shell shocked in the first quarter by an incredibly aggressive invitational outfit and by the half it was only 3 points a piece after penalties from Ronan O'Gara and J van der Westhuyzen.

In the first half, the Southern Kings looked like a team out to simply smash the Lions into submission and while there were big hits across the park, James Hook, Riki Flutey and Gordon D'Arcy received particularly special treatment. Hook departed early on with a knock to the head and Ronan O'Gara came on to replace him. Euan Murray also left the field on one leg and looks to have an ankle injury severe enough to rule him out of the remainder of the tour, though it is unclear at this stage.

The breakdown was again a problem area for the Lions as they simply failed to impose themselves. Too often the tourists gave away penalties both in possession and in defence and time and again they turned over the ball. The Lions couldn't find any real rhythm and although at times the pace was hugely frenetic neither team could find a way through the opposition until after the break.

The Lions once again proved their ability to pull the result out of the fire and in the second half a string of good kicks from Ronan O'Gara and a touch and go try for Ugo Monye finally gave the visitors some breathing room. The Lions genuine dominance at the scrum continued and they turned the screw while camped on their hosts 5m before Nigel Owens finally blew for the penalty try. The Kings never looked like a team willing to lie down though, and when they found space down the right flank, they setup great attacking ball to bundle M Mbiyozo over in the corner.

In the end, despite the Kings hugely impressive performance which, frankly surprised the Lions, the tourists managed to once again drive out the win. The manner hasn't always been majestic, but the Lions remain a tough nut to crack and can consider themselves genuinely streetwise and battle hardened as the reunite as a squad ahead of the first test this Saturday.

Scoring Summary
Lions (3) 20

Tries: Monye, Penalty Try
Cons: O'Gara 2
Pens: O'Gara 2

Kings (3) 8

Tries: Mbiyozo
Pens: Van der Westhuyzen

Southern Kings XV

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-16T13:51:47+01:00

Finally, the Southern Kings XV!

1. J Engels

2. D Kuun

3. R Vermeulen

4. M Wentzel

5. R Skeate

6. M Mbiyozo

7. S Tyibilika

8. D Nell

9. F Hougaard

10. J van der Westhuyzen

11. M Turner

12. D Wet Barry

13. F Welsh

14. W Human

15. T Mangweni

Replacements (from):

S Westraadt
K Buys
L Payi
H Stride
J Fowles
M Stick
E Watts
B Fortuin
H Grimes
M Coetzee

Lions Vs. Southern Kings - Live Coverage

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-16T13:20:47+01:00

The Lions face up to the Southern Kings XV this afternoon in Port Elizabeth. We'll be providing full live coverage from 1.30PM BST. Our new system worked without a hitch last Saturday, so we're using it again today - it's a huge improvement over the twitter system we were using earlier.

Please feel free to send us feedback via the Contact page. We're always looking to improve our site, so if you have any thoughts, please drop us a line!

Lions Vs. Southern Kings - Live Match Updates

UPDATED - Springbok Team for 1st Test Announced

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-16T12:53:29+01:00

Springbok head coach Peter de Villiers has announced his team to face the British & Irish Lions in the 1st Test in Durban The team is captain by John Smit at prop and is as follows:

Springbok Match Day 22

15. Frans Steyn
14. JP Pietersen
13. Adi Jacobs
12. Jean de Villiers
11. Bryan Habana
10. Ruan Pienaar
9. Fourie du Preez

8. Pierre Spies
7. Juan Smith
6. Heinrich Brussow
5. Victor Matfield
4. Bakkies Botha
3. John Smit (c)
2. Bismarck du Plessis
1. Tendai Mtawarira

Replacements:

16. Gurthro Steenkamp
17. Deon Carstens
18. Andries Bekker
19. Danie Rossouw
20. Ricky Januarie
21. Jaque Fourie
22. Morné Steyn.

The makeup of the Springbok XV has been clear to most commentators for some time, but today's announcement clarifies thinking in a number of key positions. Despite de Villiers assurances that he would make the 1st test, Schalk Burger has been left, out due to a calf strain and Cheetahs flanker Heinrich Brussow comes in to win only his second cap.

Ruan Pienaar is preferred at number 10 over uncapped Blue Bull Morné Steyn and PdV has brought an end to the speculation regarding the full-back position by naming Frans Steyn in the 15 shirt. It's a hugey experienced side boasting 707 caps across the 22. John Smit captains from tighthead, swapping out of his favoured position of hooker to make room for Bismarck du Plessis.

The Springboks face the Lions this Saturday at the ABSA Stadium in Durban.

Where's The Match? - Southern Kings

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-16T11:31:30+01:00

Shane's out and Ugo's in. The Lions face the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth this afternoon. It's a stupid time for a match, but here's where you can watch it, and we'll be offering live updates for those who can't see the tele:

- Kick-Off is at 2.00PM BST/3.00PM Local.

- Live on & 1.30PM - 4.30PM BST.

- For further rugby fixture info check Where's The Match.com

- If you don't have access to a TV, I'll be offering live text updates on the match updates page. Check it out. It's new, it's shiny, it rocks!

Ugo to Start Against Kings

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-16T08:24:07+01:00

Ugo Monye will start this afternoon's game against the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth. Shane Williams has recovered from the stomach bug that put him in doubt for the game, but he will take Monye's place on the bench rather than running out in the starting 15.

As Monye is a likely test starter, Williams' illness will have put Ian McGeechan and the coaching staff in a difficult quandary. They'll have been trying to rest Bowe and Monye, who played on Saturday against Western Province and are favourite to start in the tests, but with Williams out, it seems that their hand has been forced. Monye may end up having to play three games in the space of 7 days, something basically unheard of in the modern game.

The Lions management may yet rue their choice to leave Leigh Halfpenny, and even Ryan Jones, un-replaced.

Williams Hit By Stomach Bug

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-15T16:13:01+01:00

Shane Williams' already super slim chances of starting this weekend's test match against the Springboks have been dealt another blow as the Lions wing has contracted a bout of gastroenteritis.

He will not travel to Port Elizabeth with the matchday 22 for Tuesday's game against the Southern Kings as originally planned, and instead Tommy Bowe travels as cover. Stomach bugs in South Africa are not uncommon and have effected touring teams in the past. It's an extremely contagious disease, so Lions fans will have their fingers crossed that Williams is the only player to be sidelined by the illness.

The management have yet to officially rule him out, but it's unlikely at this stage that he will recover in time for Tuesday's game.

Brussow Offered Springbok Chance

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-15T14:28:00+01:00

Heinrich Brussow has been called into the Springbok squad. Stormers flanker Schalk Burger, who has 46 test caps, is struggling to be fit for Saturday's first test due to an injured calf.

Brussow has already faced the Lions in their third tour match against the Free State Cheetahs. The openside flanker had a superlative game, despite his sides loss and seemed to being taking the fight to the tourists almost single-handedly at times. Brussow's absence from the original Springbok test squad caused consternation in some quarters of the South African rugby community and along with Zane Kirchner he was considered to be particularly unlucky.

Burger will face a fitness test to see if he is ready to play against the Lions in the first test, but even if he does not play, it does not mean a definite start for Brussow, the team could turn to current squad member Danie Rossouw instead.

Speaking to the media regarding the call up, Springbok head coach Peter De Villiers said, "We brought in Heinrich Brussow in case Schalk won't make it but it is only precautionary. Schalk is one of the players that play a major role in my plans and I build almost 60% of whatever we do in the forwards around him so it will be a big blow for us if he doesn't make it. But I am positive that he will make it."

Asked about the pros and cons of the Brussow/Rossouw call, de Villiers said, "Rossouw is an honest, hard-working rugby player so it will be tough to make that decision."

Either way, the loss of Schalk Burger would be a major setback for the Springboks and after the departure of Lion Stephen Ferris, the absence of such a prominent Bok forward would give an interesting dynamic to the back-row battle.

DOC to see the Kings

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-15T12:05:04+01:00

The British & Irish Lions to face the Southern Kings will be lead by Donncha O'Calaghan. The team announced is as follows:

15. Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland)
14. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)
13. Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England)
12. Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster/Ireland)
11. Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland)
10. James Hook (Ospreys/Wales)
9. Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland)

8. Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
7. Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England)
6. Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland)
5. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland) (c)
4. Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England)
3. Euan Murray (Northampton/Scotland)
2. Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland)
1. Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks/England)

Replacements:
16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
18. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
19. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
20. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)
21. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
22. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England

Many of the players named will, for once, feel disappointed to be selected. It's unlikely, though not out of the question, that any of the starting players will feature in Saturday's 1st Test. Despite this, a number of players included were considered to be in with a shout of test selection prior to this announcement. Nathan Hines, a competitor to Alun-Wyn Jones, Luke Fitzgerald and outside chance for a wing berth and James Hook a possibility also. Geech has made it clear though that playing in this game does not exclude a player from test match consideration.

The Lions will be lead from the second-row by Donncha O'Callaghan on the date of his tenth Lions cap. 7 players are asked to back up from their performance against Western Province on Saturday in a team featuring many of the same faces as the 22 selected for the weekend. Despite a persisting injury to the foot, Mike Blair has been named at scrum-half and will face a late fitness test to decide whether he starts or not. Harry Ellis is named on the bench as cover, but it's been suggested by the management that Shane Williams could also cover the scrum-half role. While Williams has had a place now in all 6 of the matchday 22's, Blair has only started one match and played a bit part elsewhere.

Discussing Tuesday's game, Gerald Davies said, "The Lions next challenge is the Southern Kings at the new Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. The match will be played on Youth Day tomorrow which is a National Holiday. We are honoured to be playing on such a special day and I know the Lions are looking forward to the match and maintaining the unbeaten tour record."

Commenting on the selection, head coach Ian McGeechan said, "This is Test week and there is a noticeable change in attitude within the touring party. We are now heading towards the business end of the tour and the reason why we have come to South Africa. As you would expect the immediate focus is the next match against the Southern Kings on Tuesday before attention turns to selection for the First Test for which all players will be considered."

"The Southern Kings is not a regular team but we understand there are some very talented players in the squad for the match. Experience tells me that you can never underestimate any South African team and like the other teams we have faced on the tour so far we will not take them lightly."

"Seven players are backing up from the Western Province match with Nathan Hines, Joe Worsley, Riki Flutey and Keith Earls given the opportunity in the starting XV in different positions. The team will be captained by proud Munster man Donncha O'Callaghan, an experienced Lions tourist, who is a very popular member of the squad. This will be his tenth Lions match including two Tests against New Zealand during the 2005 tour."

The Southern Kings is an invitational XV and is the likely forerunner of a new South African S14 franchise. They have yet to select their team, but a squad that has been submitted for ratification can be found here.

The British & Irish Lions touring party will now split for the next few days as the squad to face the Southern Kings travel to Port Elizabeth and the unselected players travel to Durban to train ahead of the first test.

Lions Vs. Western Province - Player Ratings

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-15T11:40:40+01:00

For many, Saturday's game against Western Province was the last opportunity to press for test places. We take a look at the individual performances and assess who improved their dreams of Lions test-match rugby.

Newlands, Cape Town was the scene, and although the Lions outscored their hosts three tries to one, they just sneaked home in the end, James Hook saving the Lions blushes with a mighty long range penalty effort.

Lions Vs. Western Province - Player Ratings

Kearney Ruled Out Of Kings Game

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-14T20:30:55+01:00

Rob Kearney has been forced out of selection for the Southern Kings game this Tuesday. The full-back picked up a dead leg against Western Province on Saturday and will play no part in the final warm-up game due to the injury.

With Lee Byrne likely to be rested ahead of the 1st Test on June 20th, it's possible that Keith Earls or James Hook could cover at full-back.

Mike Blair who was withdrawn from the last game due to a sprained ankle remains a 50/50 call and with Phillips also likely to be rested ahead of the test, Harry Ellis may step in for his second game in four days. Ellis is however a likely candidate for the test bench so it's possible Shane Williams may be required to cover the scrum-half position.

It's also been revealed, after some question dodging from the Lions officials management (!), that Andy Powell has been playing with a crush fracture in the hand. This had been rumored for some time, but it's only now been confirmed to be the case. The medical team have clarified however that the welshman is fit for duty, he'll just have to man up, shake off and power through as it's going to be a touch painful! All the best to them all.

Lions Vs. Western Province - Highlights

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-13T22:20:09+01:00

Lions Sneak the Win at Newlands: Lions 26-23 W.P.

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-13T15:42:51+01:00

The Lions managed to close out a hard fought victory against Western Province this afternoon and just managed to make the win 26-23. The Lions outscored their opposition three tries to one, but De Waal was on song with the boot for WP to keep the home team in touch. Joe Pietersen scored late on to put the Lions under real pressure and level the scores 23-23, but after one missed opportunity from far out, James Hook stepped up to a similar mark on the opposite side of the field to seal the match.

Tommy Bowe had another storming game, barely putting a foot wrong, finishing a well worked team try and making a searing line break and floating a lovely near-basketball pass to put the Ugo Monye away in the corner. The scrum went superbly well again, particularly in the last ten as the front-row continually turned the screw on the opposition. By contrast, the lineout was somewhat one dimensional with Matthew Rees throwing nearly exclusively to O'Callaghan at the front. Both he and Ford had some dodgy throws to hand Western Province the ball.

The Lions lead by eight points at one stage early in the second half, and it looked like they might push away from their hosts, but in the end it became a very close fight. Western Province kicked well both from ground and hand, but following Hook's final penalty to give the Lions the lead, full back Joe Pietersen grubbered through off the Western Province final attack to leave Hook with a simple ball to gather and boot off the park. The hooter had blown, the game done.

It was a tight game, and at times the Lions handed the initiative to the hosts with dodgy decision making and careless errors. Strategically, the tourists let Western Province play in Lions territory far too much. Momentum is key in touring, and crucially the Lions take another win forward into their final match prior to the test series. The Lions take on the Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on Tuesday.

We'll be adding further analysis and commentary in due course. The Lions success continues. Well done boys!!

British and Irish Lions (18) 26
Tries: Bowe, Monye, M Williams
Cons: Jones
Pens: Jones 2, Hook

Western Province (12) 23
Pens: De Waal 4
Drops: De Waal, Pietersen
Tries: Pietersen

Improved Live Coverage - Lions Vs. Western Province

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-13T13:30:10+01:00

We're trialling improved live updated this afternoon using a new system from CoverIt! Live. This should allow for unlimited updates and no need to refresh the page. Check it out on our live updates page.

Please feel free to send us feedback via the Contact page. We're always looking to improve our site, so if you have any thoughts, please take the time!

Lions Vs. Western Province - Live Match Updates

Blair Withdrawn from Western Province Match

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-13T11:10:26+01:00

Mike Blair has been withdrawn from the Lions match against Western Province this afternoon due to a sprained foot. The injury occurred in training yesterday but has not settled as management and medical staff wished and he has therefore been withdrawn from the 22.

The management has explained that as Mike Phillips is recovering from the midweek game, Shane Williams will take Mike Blair's place on the bench. The welsh winger has deputised at scrum-half occasionally in the past, but is not considered a specialist in the position. He is the only player to have featured in every match-day 22.

In other news, Gerald Davies is calling for clarity over the Ryan Jones debacle. It seems that what happened was the after coming off for Wales on their N.America tour due to a head injury, Ryan Jones was initially examined and given the OK to travel home to the UK where further, more comprehensive tests were planned. In fact, he ended up travelling to South Africa where the same battery of test were performed. Clearly someone failed to communicate to someone else that the medical tests might be more than a formality!

Where to Watch The Match: Western Province

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-13T01:37:37+01:00

The toughest test yet, and the last game for many players to stake a test claim, Western Province are the Lions next opponents this Saturday afternoon:

- Kick-Off is at 2.00PM BST/3.00PM Local.

- Live on & 1.30PM - 4.30PM BST.

- For further rugby fixture info check Where's The Match.com

- If you don't have access to a TV, I'll be offering live text updates on the match updates page. Check it out.

Ryan Jones - Heading Home With Concussion

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-12T16:30:15+01:00

Ryan Jones has been ruled out before his Lions tour had even begun due to a head injury sustained while on duty for Wales. The ex-Welsh skipper will be on a plane home to the UK after only just arriving in South Africa.

Jones suffered a blow to the head in Wales game against the USA last Saturday and was forced off in the first minute. On arrival in South Africa, Jones underwent the same rigorous medical checks as the rest of the Lions and this lead the medical team to refer him to an independent neurosurgeon. Due to the head injuries picked up in recent games it was considered unsafe for the loose forward to play competitively and he has subsequently been ruled out of the tour. He will be unable to play contact sport for three weeks. This is in line with IRB Regulation 10.1 on concussion.

Head coach Ian McGeechan has clarified that a further replacement will not be sought at this time. Given that Jones was flown out as cover, it is somewhat surprising that the management are not looking to bolster their ranks despite the Jones setback. One would have thought that if they needed cover yesterday, they should still need cover today!

Speaking to the media regarding the situation Jones said, “I am very disappointed that on medical grounds I have been told that I am not currently fit enough to play an active role on the tour. I was looking forward to getting involved with the rest of the lads but I guess it wasn’t meant to be. It has been an up and down year for me in many ways. I feel okay at present but obviously I have to listen to the neurosurgeon’s advice in terms of my health, and to ensure I make a full recovery.”

Jones is expected to fly home tomorrow. We wish him all the best.

Western Province Team & Southern Kings Squad

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-12T12:03:06+01:00

The Lions face the Stormers of Western Province tomorrow afternoon before facing an invitational Southern Kings XV on Tuesday ahead of next weekend's first test.

The WP have announced their matchday 22 while the Kings have announced their squad. Mike Catt, who was rumoured to feature doesn't have a part to play, but the Kings have chosen to include a number of ex-Boks and Mzwandile Stick who has impressed on the Sevens circuit this season.

Western province are shorn of a number of S14 stars, but the team is still strong, with captain Luke Watson the man to watch in the scrum. Behind the pack, Tonderai Chavhanga has pace to burn and is easily one of the quickest rugby players on the planet today.

Western Province Team

1. Wicus Blaauw
2. Tiaan Liebenberg
3. Brok Harris
4. Martin Muller
5. Anton Van Zyl
6. Pieter Louw
7. Duane Vermeulen
8. Luke Watson (c)
9. Dewaldt Duvenage
10. Willem De Waal
11. Gcobani Bobo
12. Peter Grant
13. Morgan Newman
14. Tonderai Chavhanga
15. Joe Pietersen

Reserves:

16. Hanyani Shimange
17. JD Moller
18. De Kock Steenkamp
19. Zandre Jordaan
20. Conrad Hoffmann
21. JJ Engelbrecht
22. Gio Aplon

Southern Kings Squad

De Wet Barry
Rayno Benjamin
Kevin Buys
Michael Coetzee
Jaco Engels
Bevin Fortuin
Josh Fowles
Henry Grimes
Francois Hougaard
Wylie Human
Sivuyile Kobokana
Derick Kuün
Tiger Mangweni
Mpho Mbiyozo
Darron Nel
Lungile Payi
Ross Skeate
Mzwandile Stick
Heinrich Stride
Solly Tyibilika
Jaco van der Westhuyzen
Michael Vermaak
Ruan Vermeulen
Elgar Watts
Frikkie Welsh
Marco Wentzel
Simon Westraadt

Lions Vs. Sharks - Post Match Analysis

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-12T11:35:38+01:00

Apologies once again for a slowish post-match report, but I took the time to watch the game again before making any rash judgements. It's amazing the perspective that's gained when you are watching performances rather than worrying about the scoreline! No official word as of yet on the injury to Schalk Burger but we'll keep you posted.

Anyway here's a look at the Lions versus the Sharks, and for those who haven't already seen it, check out our player ratings also.

Post-Match Review

UPDATED - Burger Unlikely For 1st Test?

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-12T09:48:47+01:00

Stormers flanker Schalk Burger looks like he might be ruled out of the first test due to a calf injury. The Pretoria News is reporting that the calf injury is a recurring problem and that Burger has not been able to train properly in over a month. Burger is considered to be one of the best flank forwards in the world and his loss would be a considerable one for PdV and the Springbok squad.

Burgers absence would open the door to both squad member Dannie Russouw and Cheetah Heinrich Brussouw. Brussouw's initial omission from the squad caused consternation in some areas of the South African media and he had a fine game last Saturday against the Lions in Bloemfontein.

We'll keep you posted as more details become available.

Vickery to Lead Lions

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-12T09:06:25+01:00

The Lions team to face Western Province will be captained by Phil Vickery and is as follows:

15. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland)
12. Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England)
11. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)
10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
9. Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England)

8. Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
7. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
6. Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England)
5. Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland)
4. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
3. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England) (c)
2. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
1. Andrew Sheridan (Sale Sharks/England)

Replacements:
16. Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland)
17. Euan Murray (Northampton/Scotland)
18. Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England)
19. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
20. Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland)
21. James Hook (Ospreys/Wales)
22. Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster/Ireland)

The starting 15 is all change from the team that ran out victors over the Sharks last Wednesday, though 7 of the players did have a role to play off the bench last time out. Tom Croft who started against the Sharks is named on the bench.

Mike Blair will remain frustated - he's only had one start in five games (against the Royal XV) and has remained injury free. Meanwhile Riki Flutey gets his first start after a knee injury threatened to rule him out of the tour. The Wasp has been up every two hours during the night icing the offending limb and had a short, though impressive, 10 minute spell off the bench against the Sharks.

Tour manager Gerald Davies said, "As a tour party we are delighted that we have reached Cape Town and the final Saturday provincial match prior to the Test series with an unbeaten record. Team morale is high and each team that takes the field is determined to maintain the momentum and to fight for an individual Test place."

Also commenting on selection, Geech said, "The coaching staff is very pleased with the way the squad reacted to some bad injury news this week. The players took the news on the chin, trained well, focussed on the next match and the performance against the Sharks was excellent."

"The squad is very close as a group of players but now there is now a competitive edge developing as we approach the Test series. That is how it should be. I reminded the players when I told them the team to play Western Province that we were not selecting the Test side until next Tuesday following the Southern Kings match."

"The team for Western Province will be captained by Phil Vickery who is one of the many leaders in the squad. It is just reward for a thoroughly professional player who will play in his tenth Lions match. Vicks is a former captain of England and he played three Lions tests against Australian in 2001."

"No starting players are backing up from the Sharks match as we continue our desire to see all players involved in at least two full matches prior to Test selection. Martyn Williams comes into the starting XV following his recovery from a shoulder knock and Riki Flutey gets his first starting role after proving his fitness off the bench against the Sharks."

The Lions face a Western Province side led by Luke Watson on Saturday and for many, it will be a last chance to try and stake their test team credentials. Flutey, who hasn't yet started, has a huge job to unseat the brilliant incumbent pair of O'Driscoll and Roberts. Likewise Martyn Williams will look to go well after a fine performance from David Wallace at 7 on Wednesday.

The Western Province side looks like the toughest test yet for the Lions with plenty of Springbok experience and it will be up to Vickery's team to continue the winning momentum ahead of the test series.

Lions Vs. Sharks - Player Ratings

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-12T00:58:31+01:00

Not the indisputable performance that Johannesburg was, but the Lions stuck to their work and ran out comfortable winners on Wednesday night.

The team performance wasn't a thing of beauty, but there were some excellent individual efforts amongst the 22. Apologies in the delay on getting this online, work has been keeping me busy recently.

Lions Vs Sharks - Player Ratings

Lions Vs. Sharks - Match Highlights

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-11T12:37:37+01:00

The Lions kept to winning ways last night after patience and determination, backed by possession and territory, not to mention a rock solid defence, was converted into 4 second half tries. Final score 39-3 to the Lions. If you're looking to savour some of the highlights again, take a look at this video.

Geech: "Roberts & Powell Fit"

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-11T10:32:33+01:00

Following last nights convincing win against the Sharks, Ian McGeechan has made it clear that star centre Jamie Roberts and Blues no.8 Andy Powell are both fit for duty.

Roberts took a number of knocks during the game and was show in some pain and at the end of the game was shown being strapped into an ominous looking black shoulder-sling/body armour combo. Lions fans everywhere were worried. Geech however, assures us, that everything is fine.

“There is no problem with Jamie Roberts’ shoulder. He took a heavy bang in the first-half, but it was only bruising and Dr James Robson is happy with the way it looks. We wanted to give Riki Flutey some game time, so it fitted in nicely.”

Rumours, started largely by the online media also seemed to suggest that Andy Powell may be suffering with a fractured hand. The head coach also refuted these claims: “Andy Powell has been told that, although it might be painful, there are no structural changes to his hand. He is fit to play and doesn’t have two fractures.”

Finally, in another piece of good news for the Lions after a week that included the loss of Ferris and Halfpenny, Martyn Williams has recovered from a shoulder injury and is fit ahead of the next game versus Western Province.

Lions Bite Bigger Than Sharks: Lions 39-3 Sharks

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-10T19:57:21+01:00

In the end it was a convincing victory at the ABSA Stadium in Durban as the British & Irish Lions ran out 39-3 winners against the Natal Sharks. The tourists scored 5 tries including 4 in the second half after far superior possession told.

The defensive effort was also excellent as the Sharks didn't cross despite sustained position at times. The Lions however, did not have a great day at the breakdown as they conceded far too many penalties. 15 in total and in the final 20 minutes it really hurt the Lions both defensively and in attack.

It was far from the perfect performance, but crucially, the Lions maintained their winning record and did so outscoring their opposition 5 tries to nil. Rarely do we criticise the ref here on Pride of Lions, but Jonathan Kaplan gave the Lions front row a very tough time in the first half despite their clear superiority over their Sharks counterparts. He even gave a penalty against Gethin Jenkins from the far side of the scrum. Come the second half, it seemed that either someone had had a word or he'd realised that he'd not had such a good performance at scrumtime as his officiating was far more accurate.

Despite massively superior possession in the first half, the Lions ran in only 4 points ahead at the interval, 7-3 up over their hosts. Until Lee Mears crossed on 23mins the Lions had simply failed to finish a number of good scoring positions after repeatedly declining the option for points. Brian O'Driscoll was also hauled down just short in the first half after an excellent interception although his class told in the 2nd as he held his line in the wing channel to provide space and ball for Fitzgerald to finish.

Likewise, Mike Phillips scored a rampaging try after cutting through a gap at the base and running the cover defence ragged to finish easily in the corner. His half-back partner, Ronan O'Gara, had an excellent day with the boot, but there was a noticeable drop in slickness compared to the all welsh 9,10,12 axis fielded last week. O'Gara sought to kick to much ball away and was at times indecisive in his passing.

Lee Mears was the pick of the forwards and had a great game at the lineout, throwing very well and popping up everywhere in the loose.

The Lions next face Western Province on Saturday as we build towards the first test on the 20th June.

We'll have player ratings and match analysis tomorrow.

British and Irish Lions (7) 39
Tries: Mears, Phillips, Fitzgerald, Byrne, Heaslip
Cons: O'Gara 3, Hook
Pens: O'Gara 2

Sharks (3) 3
Pen: Kockott

Where to Watch The Match - Sharks

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-10T11:52:52+01:00

After a couple of demoralising injuries within the squad, the Lions will be looking to bounce back at the Shark tank tonight against the Natal Sharks. Here's all the details:

- Kick-Off is at 6.10PM BST/7.10PM Local.

- Live on & 5.30PM - 8.30PM BST.

- For further rugby fixture info check Where's The Match.com

- If you don't have access to a TV, I'll be offering live text updates via twitter and our built in widget. I think I've possibly found a way to do live updates that don't require page refreshes.

Depending on how busy I am today, I'll either have that ready to go this evening, or for Saturday's game at the latest.

Tuppence Spent

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-10T10:41:26+01:00

Leigh Halfpenny has once again been withdrawn from the Lions squad. This time, permanently. The Cardiff Blue, the youngest man on tour, aggravated the thigh injury that had delayed his departure and has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour. The management have chosen not to replace him.

Speaking to the media, McGeechan said: "Leigh unfortunately hurt his right thigh muscle during Monday afternoon's training, following a medical assessment it was decided that he should undergo a scan to determine the extent of the injury."

"He had the scan on Tuesday morning that confirmed a presence of a further muscle injury to his right thigh which will require three to four weeks of rehabilitation which means he will miss the rest of the tour. I am especially disappointed for Leigh as he worked so hard to come back from the set back at the start of the Tour but he has proven his strength of character by the way that he is handling the news and we wish him a quick recovery."

"Leigh will travel with us to Cape Town and then return to the UK to continue his rehabilitation with the Cardiff Blues. We will not be replacing Leigh as we have enough cover for his position amongst the group of players that we have."

Tour manager Gerald Davies added "We are obviously very disappointed that Leigh has sustained a further injury and we understand that this must be particularly frustrating that this has happened a second time, especially for a young man embarking on his rugby career but we wish him well for his rehabilitation."

Sadly, the Halfpenny adventure never seemed fated this time. Halfpenny has enjoyed a meteoric rise over the last year from schoolboy, to professional, to full international to British & Irish Lion. Sadly, Lions fans will have to wait a few more years before we get another chance to see him dazzle us. Hopefully we'll see him in Australia.

We wish him all the best on his recovery.

Ferris Out, Ryan Jones Called Up

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-09T19:00:04+01:00

Much to the chagrin of British & Irish Lions fans everywhere, Stephen Ferris has been ruled out of the remainder of the tour due to a severe knee injury. Just a day after the management and medical staff were singing about the incredible good health of the touring party, another player has been forced off the tour, while the fate of Leigh Halfpenny remains in the balance.

Welsh skipper, Ryan Jones, a surprise omission at the start of the tour, has been called up as cover and will remain with the tourists for the rest of the trip.

Speaking at a press conference to announce the call-up, Geech said, "Ryan Jones has been called up to replace Stephen Ferris who unfortunately sustained a knee injury during Monday afternoon's training. He twisted his right knee in a training drill and following a medical assessment it was decided that he should undergo a scan to determine the extent of the injury."

"He had the scan on Tuesday morning that showed he had a grade two tear to his medial collateral ligament. This usually requires a four to six week recovery period and is severe enough to mean he will miss the rest of the tour. Therefore with six matches left on tour after Wednesday's match against the Sharks we believe we need to fly out a replacement as cover for the backrow."

"Ryan is on the standby reserve list and of course has been playing for Wales over the last few weeks in the USA and Canada. He will fit right in as he knows a lot of the players and of course he was a Lions replacement on the 2005 tour to New Zealand. In fact on that tour he showed how competitive he is as an individual by forcing his way into the Test side for all thee matches against the All Blacks."

Ryan Jones hasn't had the best season, but he has a track record of making an impact as a late call up. In 2005 Jones was called up as cover for the injured Simon Taylor before going on to play in all three test matches. On what was a quite disastrous tour, Jones, along with Irishman Simon Easterby, were particular standouts. As I saw it written over on the Times website the other day, 'Jones went on to become a beacon in the darkness'. We all hope he can produce the same sort of form in South Africa.

Stephen Ferris is a huge loss and we send him our best wishes and condolences. Anyone who has watched Living With Lions will know exactly how he must feel at the moment... All the best Stephen, you were playing some cracking stuff and will be missed.

Halfpenny Out Of Sharks Clash/Ferris Off For Scan

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-09T12:24:14+01:00

Welsh winger Leigh Halfpenny has been withdrawn from the Lions squad to face the Sharks this Wednesday due to a suspected recurrence of the thigh injury that delayed the start of his tour.

The Cardiff Blues player had been named on the bench for the game, but now faces a scan to assess the extent of the injury. He suffered a strain at the end of training on Monday and his withdrawal is currently being referred to as a precaution.

"He recovered very well from the last time," said Lions assistant coach Shaun Edwards. "He was doing some extra work at the end of training yesterday and he just felt it strain."

"He was examined by the medical team this morning and was comfortable. However, in order to enable an accurate diagnosis he is currently having a scan," said a Lions spokesman.

"As a preliminary measure he will be unavailable for Wednesday's game and James Hook will take his place on the bench."

In further worrying news for the Lions management, form flanker Stephen Ferris has also gone for a scan after suffering a sore knee in training on Tuesday. We'll have more news on both of these injuries as soon as it is made available.

All the best to both of them and also Martyn Williams who is suffering with a shoulder injury.

Sharks Team to Face Lions

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-08T21:10:49+01:00

Springbok coach Peter De Villiers has released Deon Carstens from the senior squad to join his club colleagues when they meet the Lions this Wednesday. The Sharks squad to face the Lions is as follows:

The Sharks

1. Deon Carstens
2. Skipper Badenhorst
3. Jannie du Plessis
4. Steven Sykes
5. Johann Muller (Captain)
6. Jacques Botes
7. Jean Deysel
8. Keegan Daniel
9. Rory Kockott
10. Monty Dumond
11. Luzuko Vulindlu
12. Riaan Swanepoel
13. Andries Strauss
14. Chris Jordaan
15. Stefan Terblanche

Replacements
16. Craig Burden
17. Patric Cilliers
18. Albert van den Berg
19. Michael Rhodes
20. Charl McLeod
21. Guy Cronje
22. Lwazi Mvovo

Carstens is the first player from either the Senior or Emerging Springbok squads to be released by PdV ahead of the test series that begins on the 20th June. The Sharks, who finished 6th in this year's Super 14 are likely to be the stiffest test yet for the touring side and have a number of high profile names to watch.

Johann Muller captains the side from the 2nd row, and the Bok, who has 22 caps to his name, was singled out by PdV at the Springbok squad announcement as being a player unlucky not to have made the cut. Likewise, Stefan Terblanche is a name familiar to rugby followers worldwide. The 33yo Springbok has an incredible test record, with 37 caps and an exceptional 0.51 try per match ratio. Terblanche was considered a possible option for the Springboks at fullback, but the management chose to announce a squad without a recognised 15.

Rory Kockott at 9 is another name to watch. The scrum-half has been in scintillating form during the Super 14 and is another of the players considered unlucky not to have made grade for either of the national squads. Jean Deysel at 7 is another name to watch within a strong Sharks pack.

The Sharks will consider the tourists a scalp waiting to be taken after their lucky escape against the Cheetahs and will be firing on all cylinders as the tour swings into town on Wednesday night.

Lions App for iPhone

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-08T14:52:57+01:00

For those of you with an iPhone, I can highly recommend the Lions Official iPhone application. It's full of news and fixture details, but the real highlight are the tour videos which are added occasionally. These are shot by the guys making the tour documentary and although there are only a few up so far, they're pretty funny and really give a sense of being on the tour.

There's a particularly great bit where Nathan Hines can't recall Luke Fitzgerald's name. Little bit worrying given that they've been together for a while now (!), but I know the exact feeling and they do play about as far apart as it's possible to play!

It's priced at £1.19 and is well worth it for anyone who wants on the go Lions info. There is currently a bug in the application that makes videos unplayable if you exit the programme while one is downloading, but simply delete the offending video (by going to Downloads>Finished and then clicking edit in the top left) and then re-download it while remaining in the application. An update has been promised soon which will fix this issue.

For those who are interested, it can be bough via iTunes at the link below and requires an Apple iPhone.

Lions Team to Face Sharks

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-08T11:55:11+01:00

The British & Irish Lions side to face the Natal Sharks is as follows:

1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
2. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
3. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
4. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
5. Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) (c)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England)
7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)

9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)
10. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
11. Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland)
14. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)
15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)

Replacements:
16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
18. Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England)
19. Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England)
20. Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland)
21. Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England)
22. Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

It's an interesting side and one that has some selection choices. Despite Gordon D'Arcy's late call up at centre and Riki Flutey's lack of a start so far following an injury to his knee, the management have chosen to give the successful centre combination of Roberts and O'Driscoll a second outing together.

This will be Roberts third game so far on tour having missed just one match so far. Although many thought that O'Driscoll would be used relatively sparingly, the Lions management seem to be willing to play their stars in obvious contradiction to Springbok coach PdV's policy of resting his men ahead of the first test.

Four players are being asked to back up on Saturday's performance against the Cheetahs as Paul O'Connell, Luke Fitzgerald, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne all start for a second consecutive game.

Commenting on the selection, Geech said, "I am delighted that as we head into the fourth match we only have one player who is unavailable for selection. The players and the medical staff have managed the injuries that have been sustained in a very professional manner. This is crucial as we enter matches against two of South Africa's strongest provinces in the Sharks and Western Province in the space of four days."

"This is reflected by the fact that four starting players from the Cheetahs match will back up against the Sharks, while five players are starting their third match of the tour. Those players are captain Paul O'Connell, Lee Byrne, Shane Williams, Jamie Roberts and David Wallace. Paul will start with his third different second row partner in Alun-Wyn Jones, while we also have new starting partnerships in the back three, the halfbacks and in the front row."

"The next two matches are obviously critical in the development of the Test side. While we have these new starting partnerships for the Sharks match we also have a centre pairing in Jamie Roberts and Brian O'Driscoll, and a backrow of Jamie Heaslip, David Wallace and Tom Croft that have played together on tour in the Golden Lions match," added McGeechan.

Despite poor performances so far, Shane Williams is handed another start and will be looking to redeem himself in what overall looks to be a much stronger side than took the field against the Cheetahs. Alongside the centre partnership, another of units return from the Golden Lions game last Wednesday. The back row of Wallace, Heaslip and Croft return, while Alun-Wyn Jones and Paul O'Connell will once again man the engine room.

Shane Williams is the only player to have been involved in all of the Lions matches so far and he will be looking to prove his worth after an indifferent performance so far. While Tommy Bowe has been the standout winger for the tourist, the other wing berth is wide open and Leigh Halfpenny will also be hoping to get a second run from the bench.

The management is clearly not shy about letting their test team play together and while this side doesn't look like a test outfit from 1-15, it is an extremely strong side with only few players that could be described as outside test bets at this stage.

The match is scheduled for Wednesday 10th June 6.10PM BST/7.10PM Local time.

Jenks To Coach Kickers

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-08T10:46:27+01:00

Welsh Lion kicking legend Neil Jenkins is to join the British & Irish Lions as the squads kicking coach. Tour Manager Gerald Davies this morning announced that once Jenkins has completed his commitments with the Welsh team in North America, he will fly to South Africa to join the Lions.

Davies said, "We found out that Neil is going to be in South Africa during the latter stages of the tour. Therefore, the coaching staff thought it would be a good idea to ask him to become involved with the squad as kicking coach when he was here. He is Wales' kicking coach and the former world record points holder."

McGeechan added, "We did not appoint a kicking coach initially as Rob Howley and Shaun Edwards have experience in this area and have adequately taken responsibility for looking after the kickers. However, when someone of Neil's ability is available and on hand it would be foolish not to take advantage of it.

"If anyone knows about what is required in terms of general kicking and goal kicking in South Africa it is Neil. It was his all round kicking game that helped the Lions to victory in the 1997 Test series out here against the then World Champions."

Neil Jenkins said, "It is a great honour to be part of a British and Irish Lions tour and I am delighted and grateful to have been offered this fantastic opportunity. I am extremely lucky in that I have just completed a great tour of Canada and the USA with Wales so I am now free to devote all my attention to the Lions.

"I have clear ideas of what I would like to contribute and I know so many of the players, coaches and back up team that I will be able to get out onto the training pitch and get started as soon as I arrive.

"South Africa is a great rugby nation so the challenges ahead are huge but I am determined to give my all to the Lions cause."

Match Analysis - Lions Vs Cheetahs

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-08T01:05:09+01:00

Following our player ratings, we've now got full match report online from the Cheetahs game this Saturday.

A game full of lessons for the Lions wasn't a walk in the park by any means, but it was a valuable step on the road to the first test. With pretty much all the players blooded, the tour moves to Durban and sea level.

Lions Vs Cheetahs - Match Report

Flutey Fit For Sharks/Nugget Injured

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-07T17:49:46+01:00

Riki Flutey will restart training tomorrow ahead of the British & Irish Lions meeting with the Natal Sharks on Wednesday. The England centre picked up a knock to the knee in the opening game against the Royal XV in Rustenburg when he made his Lions debut from the bench. As long as he comes through training tomorrow without any adverse reaction, he is a likely starter at 12 in the next game.

Tour doctor James Robson pointed out the severity of the injury and how it nearly ruled Flutey out of the tour. “If you went back to 1997, then Riki would have been on his way home. I really thought he was going to be the first player to leave the tour. But he has been setting his alarm to wake himself up every two hours in the night to administer cold therapy on his knee. That’s on top of the work he is doing with the physios throughout the day.

“He will resume full training tomorrow and be available to play on Wednesday if required. It means we can say the Lions are in rude health at the moment. The medical team has been very busy, but we only had a dead leg, slight hand and knee injuries to deal with after Saturday’s game." added Robson.

Flutey is the only original member of the now 38 man squad to have not started a game on tour. He may well find himself sharing the centre berth with Gordon D'Arcy. The late call-up had a role to play late in the Cheetahs game from the bench, but he didn't really have time to assert himself.

The only real injury concern leading into the next game is Martyn Williams who is suffering with a shoulder injury. Without wishing to jinx the squad, I've been noticing the impressive overall fitness, and James Robson agrees:

“We have all bar one player fit and available for selection at the moment, Martyn Williams. He took a blow on his shoulder, but if this was the last game of the tour on Wednesday I’m sure we would be making him available.”

“I can’t remember at this stage from any previous tour I’ve been on going back to 1993 where only one player was unavailable for selection.” James Robson is something a Lions legend. This is his 5th tour as Lions doctor.

Highlights from Bloemfontein

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-07T11:51:16+01:00

It looked like a rout, but it turned into a nail-biter. For those of you looking for a condensed version of the games highlights, many thanks to the awesome Rugby Dump for this highlights clip on YouTube. I'm off to watch the full game again. Thankfully not so many nerves this time!.

Lions Vs Cheetahs - Player Ratings

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-07T03:21:47+01:00

After a game that turned out to be very close indeed, a look at the players individually.

A mixed bag to be honest, some strong showings, but also some real disappointments. While a number of players are emerging as strong test contenders, others are beginning to miss their chance.

Lions Vs. Cheetahs - Player Ratings

Lions Scrape to Win Over Cheetahs: 26-24

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-06T15:48:45+01:00

The British & Irish Lions scrapped to victory this afternoon against a very determined Cheetahs side.

After an awesome start where the Lions went 20-0 up, the Lions dropped off the pace as the Cheetahs bared their own claws and fought their way back into the match. This was undoubtedly the first real test for the Lions team and there was a notable lack of creativity and power in the back line. Likewise the back-row unit did not go hugely well as Andy Powell, despite carrying a huge amount of ball, looked somewhat one dimensional.

A close kicking duel was won by the Lions as James Hook slotted all 6 efforts. Opposite number Jacques Louis-Potgieter missed with two efforts and Strydom missed a late drop goal. Frankly Hook proved the difference between the sides.

Heinrich Brussow looked awesome for the Cheetahs and the unlucky excluded Springbok looked clean to prove PdV wrong. After Keith Earls and Stephen Ferris got the Lions off the mark with two excellent tries, the Cheetahs proved they weren't planning on being walked over. Ferris was yellow carded on 21 mins and the Cheetahs went on a scoring spree with tries from winger Demas and prop du Preez.

The second half was a terse scrappy affair and while the Lions put themselves in scoring territory for much of the time, they couldn't find the cutting edge to split a sharp Cheetahs defence. At 26-17 with the Lions looking like they might close out the game, Shane Williams, looking desperate to impress forced the pass and handed it to Uys for him to run the length of the pitch to score. Strydom converted to leave the Cheetahs just two point behind at 26-24.

A tense finished, marked by an un-characteristic drop from Lee Byrne that looked to have included a painful ball on the end of an outstretched finger and a missed all-or-nothing drop goal by Strydom to win the game.

Finally with ball in hand and a chance to finish it with a second drop goal attempt, the Cheetahs infringed at the breakdown in the final phase of play to let the Lions off the hook.

The Lions have certainly had their first real test. We'll have more coverage with player ratings late tonight and a full match analysis tomorrow.

Scoring Summary

British and Irish Lions (23) 26
Tries: Ferris, Earls Cons: Hook 2
Pens: Hook 4

Cheetahs (14) 24
Tries: Dumas, Du Preez, Uys
Cons: Louis-Potgieter 2, Strydom
Pen: Louis-Potgieter

Lions Vs. Cheetahs - Some Thoughts

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-06T12:37:09+01:00

It's a bit late in the day really, but given the hype from both sides of the supporter divide, I thought there was always time for a brief unemotional look at the upcoming game.

Lions supporters are at risk of letting Wednesday's win run away with our analytical rugby brains, and likewise South Africans are talking up the Cheetahs as if they were the Blue Bulls. I expect a hard fought clash that could be a potential banana-skin for the confident Lions. We take a brief look at the upcoming match.

Lions Vs. Cheetahs - Some Preview Thoughts

Don't forget, we'll be running live text updates during the match.

Where To Watch The Match - Cheetahs

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-06T01:40:23+01:00

The Lions line up against the Free State Cheetahs this afternoon and POC's team will be aiming to perform like BOD's side on Wednesday. Here's all the info for watching the game:

- Kick-Off is at 2.00PM BST/3.00PM Local.

- Live on & 1.30PM - 4.00PM BST.

- For further rugby fixture info check Where's The Match.com

- If you don't have access to a TV, I'll be offering live text updates via twitter and our built in widget. I still haven't found a way to do live updating, so you'll have to keep refreshing the page, but it worked quite well last time so I'm going to stick with this for tomorrow until I've figured something better out.

I can't promise the minute by minute updates that you might get from Sky or the Beeb as I'm far too fanatical to spend the whole time looking at the computer, but I will try!

Golden Lions Match - Highlights

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-05T23:14:28+01:00

For those of you looking for highlights from the Golden Lions match, many thanks to Rugby Dump for sticking up this short six minute video of the top moments. Hopefully we'll have another excellent game tomorrow, but until then, this makes some pretty exciting watching for any Lions fan.

Updated - Lions Team To Face Cheetahs

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-05T11:48:36+01:00

Paul O'Connell leads a youthful looking Lions team in their third match this Saturday afternoon. The Lions team to face the Free State Cheetahs is as follows:

1. Andrew Sheridan (Sale/England)
2. Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland)
3. Euan Murray (Northampton/Scotland)
4. Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland)
5. Paul O'Connell (c) (Munster/Ireland)
6. Stephen Ferris (Ulster/Ireland)
7. Joe Worsley (Wasps/England)
8. Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

9. Harry Ellis (Leicester/England)
10. James Hook (Ospreys/Wales)
11. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)
12. Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland)
13. Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland)
14. Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)

Replacements

16. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
17. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
18. Simon Shaw (Wasps/England)
19. Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland)
20. Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster/Ireland)
21. Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland)
22. Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland)

Geech hands first starts to Fitzgerald, Ellis, Hook, Halfpenny, Murray, Ford, Powell, Ferris and O'Callaghan and has, barring injury to any of these players, met his target of giving every member of the touring part a start in the first three games. Jamie Roberts, Tommy Bowe and David Wallace earn well deserved breaks and will not feature on Saturday.

Unlike last Wednesday, no players back up a starting berth with a second start, although 7 of the matchday 22 played some role in the Golden Lions game.

Keith Earls is handed a second start in the 13 shirt and has a chance to redeem himself after a shaky opener in Rustenburg last Saturday. His centre partner, Fitzgerald, who often plays on the wing is asked to play in his alternate position. Hopefully the two will gel well given their familiarity with each other through the Ireland setup. Riki Flutey has failed to overcome a knee injury and remains unavailable. Gordon D'Arcy, flown out this week as centre cover, is named on the bench.

The squad 22 comprises 7 Irishmen, 7 Welshmen, 4 Englishmen and 4 Scots. Ross Ford and Euan Murray, both offered their first start will be looking to stake their claim on a competitive front row place while Ellis and Hook will want to respond to the excellent performance of Mike Phillips and Stephen Jones.

The British & Irish Lions meet the Vodacom Cheetahs in Bloemfontein at the Vodacom Park on Saturday. Kickoff is 2:00PM BST/3.00PM Local.

More Invincible Memories

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-05T11:16:49+01:00

There's some great footage of the vintage 1974 and 1997 lions out there at the moment. ESPN Scrum have another intriguing look at the 74' Invincibles tour in a six part series available online. Parts one and two are up now, with the other episodes to be released in the future.

There's some new content there, as Roger Uttley has some of the old boys round for a spot of reminiscing. It's a genuinely interesting watch. Highly recommended as it covers ground that the other more produced shows haven't done yet. Stunning accents from Mike Burton though!

At Home with The Invincibles 1974 - Part 1
At Home with The Invincibles 1974 - Part 2

Lions Vs. Golden Lions - Match Analysis

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-05T00:31:39+01:00

Apologies in the delay on getting it online, but we've got a comprehensive analysis of the Lions display against their Gauteng namesakes available now. It supplements the player ratings that we posted yesterday and while it tries to be objective and temper the enthusiasm with the reality of the opposition situation, we also take time to enjoy such mesmeric rugby.

The Lions meet another big cat in the form of the Cheetahs this Saturday and we're expecting a team announcement tommorow. Let's hope they keep up the great form.

Lions Vs. Golden Lions - Post-Match Analysis

News Roundup - Flutey Still Injured/Catt a Lion Slayer?

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-04T17:00:41+01:00

First up, my apologies for the relatively slow news day here at Pride of Lions. Things are going on, but I was pretty pole-axed after a very late night re-watching and analysing the Golden Lions game yesterday. I'll have a full match analysis to go along with the player ratings sometime this evening.

- In squad news, Riki Flutey has been ruled out of Saturday's match against the Free State Cheetahs due to a knee injury he suffered in the opening match. He's expected to make a full recovery, but those keen to see him start at 12 in the wake of the BOD/Roberts show will have to wait a little longer. "Riki is continuing to get treatment but he won't be available for this weekend," said Lions assistant coach Graham Rowntree.

Gordon D'Arcy, Keith Earls and James Hook are possible starters, while Luke Fitzgerald who has recovered from a chest infection also has experience in the centre.

- Tour Manager Gerald Davies and Head Coach were originally due to announce the Lions team to face the Cheetahs this afternoon, but have decided to delay the announcement until tomorrow. We'll have all the news as it breaks.

- In opposition news, Mike Catt could join Riki Flutey in the select band of players who have played for and against the famous British & Irish tourists. The Lion face the second invitational side of the tour, The Southern Kings in Port Elizabeth on June 16th and coach Alan Solomons has reportedly submitted a team for consideration including Mike Catt alongside a host of overseas ex-Boks.

The 37yo Catt, who is one of the oldest players currently competing at the highest level, was born in South Africa and could find himself lining up alongside the De Wet Barry, BJ Botha, Neil De Kock, Brent Russell, Gary Botha, Daan Human and Faan Rautenbach.

- Finally, if you made use of the live text updates during the game, please let me know. I don't want to do it if nobody looked at it as it was bloody knackering!

Match #2 - Player Ratings

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-04T02:33:36+01:00

Read our player ratings following the Lions second match against the Golden Lions at Ellis Park. The touring side obliterated their hosts 74-10 and while the scoreline was huge, post-match the Lions players and management refused to get carried away. We take a look at the individual performances and rate them out of ten.

Tomorrow we'll be posting a full post-match analysis so check back then for further evaluation.

Lions Vs. Golden Lions - Player Ratings

Lions Deliver 10 Try Rout at Ellis Park

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-03T20:07:12+01:00

The British & Irish Lions exploded into life tonight with an incredible 10 try rout over the fancied Golden Lions at Ellis Park in Johannesburg. It was some performance and the scoreline was all the more impressive given the altitude of the venue.

In a game where the Lions showed some real class and demanded the respect of the South African rugby fraternity the team performance was immense. It was hard to single out anyone for particular credit because the entire 15 played immensely. The pack played with real ferocity and provided a genuine platform for the 9-10-12 axis to bring the rest of the backline to life.

Roberts, Bowe and Monye each scored twice while, O'Driscoll, Croft, Ferris and Hook also dotted down. Mike Phillips at scrum half was robust and commanding offering great simple service and never allowing opposite number Vermaak to trouble him. Phillips, Jones and Roberts looked like a unit who knew each other and Brian O'Driscoll's stunning support and offloading game was a brilliant complement at 13. Bowe looked equally excellent joining the midfield and finishing well in the corner.

Apart from the first throw-in, the lineout functioned superbly with Mears constantly hitting Hines, AWJ and in particular Croft. The scum was equally effective and Heaslip was superb from the base. David Wallace looked much improved at 7 than playing at 8 and both added great breakdown intensity.

Ugo Monye retired late in the game (injury unclear at this point) and with no replacements left it'd have been understandable if the tries dried up. None of it, and the Lions went on to score 14 points in the final minutes.

The Golden Lions never really looked in it, and despite valiant efforts, particularly from skipper Cobus Grobbelar, the British & Irish Lions completely crushed the home side. We'll have full analysis and player ratings later this evening/tomorrow morning. Next up, the Free State Cheetahs on Saturday.

Well done lads!!

SCORING SUMMARY

Golden Lions (10) 10 Tries: Frolick Cons: Pretorius Pens: Pretorius

British and Irish Lions (39) 74 Tries: Roberts 2, O'Driscoll, Monye 2, Croft, Bowe 2, Hook, Ferris Cons: Jones 6, Hook 3 Pens: Jones 2

Live Match Updates

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-03T17:15:58+01:00

We're going to be trialing Live Match Updates this evening during the Golden Lions match. We're using twitter to do this, though at the moment, it looks like you'll have to refresh the page to get new updates. I'm going to look into a way of doing this in the future that allows for live updating without you needing to refresh the page, but hopefully for now it'll be better than nothing.

I'm a mad fan too remember so I might spend too long watching the game and not enough time doing updates. Apologies if I go off the boil, but I'll do my best to add as much information as possible. Please feel free to send us some feedback and if you'd like to follow us on twitter, our account name is pride_of_lions. If this one goes well, I'll try and offer live updates in the future. To view the updates, please visit the page below:

Lions Vs. Golden Lions Live Match Updates

Cheetahs Team To Face The British & Irish Lions

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-03T12:45:29+01:00

The British & Irish Lions face the Vodacom Free State Cheetahs in Bloemfontein on Saturday. The team, led by Hendro Scholtz is as follows:

Vodacom Free State Cheetahs XV

Hennie Daniller; Danwel Demas, Corne Uys, Meyer Bosman, JW Jonker; Jacques-Louis Potgieter, Tewis de Bruyn; Wian Du Preez, Adriaan Strauss, Kobus Calldo, Nico Breedt, David de Villiers, Heinrich Brussow, Francois Uys, Hendro Scholtz (captain)

Replacements: Richard Strauss, WP Nel, Frans Viljoen, Kabamba Floors, Gerrie Odendaal, Louis Strydom, Fabian Juries.

Gordon D'Arcy to Join Lions

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-03T12:06:20+01:00

Gordon D'Arcy has been called upon this morning by the Lions management and will tour with the side for the remainder of the trip. This is due to a number of minor injuries in the backs and Geech's determination to prepare for every eventuality. The Leinster man has had a great season and played superbly for the Barbarians at the weekend. He was unlucky not to be included in the original 37-man squad or to be called up as a direct replacement for Tom Shanklin following his shoulder injury prior to departure.

Commenting on the call up, Ian McGeechan said, "Gordon has been called up due to the fact that we have had a few injury concerns in the backs. While the injuries are being treated by the medical team we felt it prudent that we call up Gordon to provide us with extra cover in midfield. Due to the short nature of this tour we have to be prepared for every eventuality. An extra back at this stage, three matches into the tour, will provide the extra depth to cover the existing injuries plus any further injuries we may encounter."

"Gordon showed in the European Rugby Cup final and the recent Barbarians match against England that he is back to his best. He was on our reserve list and we had no hesitation in calling him up to the squad as he is an extremely experienced player who has played 41 times for his country."

"He was also a British & Irish Lion on the 2005 tour to New Zealand where he played six provincial matches. He earned a Lions' Test cap in the match against Argentina in Cardiff prior to that tour. His partnership with Brian O'Driscoll for Leinster and Ireland is a proven one and can only benefit the Lions' squad here in South Africa."

D'Arcy is expected to arrive in South Africa on Thursday and will join the existing squad in Johannesburg. His arrival will bring the tourists player complement up to 38. With Riki Flutey out with a minor injury, D'Arcy offers another specialist option at 12.

Where To Watch The Match? - Golden Lions

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-03T10:46:48+01:00

The British & Irish Lions face the Golden Lions this afternoon at Ellis Park in their second game on tour. Here's the inside track so you don't miss any of the action:

- Kick-Off is at 6.10PM BST/7.10PM Local.

- Live on & 5.30PM - 8.30PM BST.

- For further rugby fixture info check Where's The Match.com

- If you don't have access to a TV, I'm planning to try offering text updates via a Twitter widget embedded into the site. Off to look into that now, so check back soon.

I can't promise the minute by minute updates that you might get from Sky or the Beeb as I'm far too fanatical to spend the whole time looking at the computer, but I will try!

Lion Soup

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-03T09:58:01+01:00

The British and Irish Lions face the Golden Lions tonight in every commentators worst nightmare. Just a week and a half after the Leinster versus Leicester tongue twister, Stuart Barnes et al have an even fruitier problem on their hands.

Frankly, South African club naming is pretty complex anyway. Most clubs have two versions of their name, one for playing on the international S14 stage, and one for playing provincially in the Currie Cup. There's often also a sponsorship tie in, so sometimes they'll be referred to by that moniker also. Finally, the number of name changes of the years has in some cases been hard to keep up with.

Take the B&I team's opposition tonight. The Golden Lions are known as simply the Golden Lions when playing provincially, but on the Super 14 stage, simply as The Lions. Although for sponsorship purposes that's sometimes the Xerox Lions - seriously, what rugby club wants to be named after a photocopier? Add to this the naming history. Originally the team was known as Transvaal. Then in 1997 this was changed to the Gauteng Lions and then just a year later, the Golden Lions. For the Super 14, and it's ancestors, the team was known as the Cats and the Golden Cats before being renamed as The Lions in 2006.

Confused? I'm not surprised. Save to say that tonight the British & Irish Lions (the ones with the red-shirts and funny names like 'Donncha' and 'Gethin' that we're all potty about) play South Africa's Golden Lions at the famous Ellis Park.

C'Mon boys!!!

Halfpenny in South Africa

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-02T14:10:53+01:00

Leigh Halfpenny joined up with the British and Irish Lions squad in Johannesburg this morning following completed recovery on an injured thigh that ruled him out of the start of the tour.

Tour manager Gerald Davies commented "We are delighted that Leigh has rejoined the group, having seen the medical team this morning they have confirmed that he has arrived fully fit and so is available for selection following tomorrow night's game against the Golden Lions".

Upon arrival, the Cardiff player underwent a post-flight recovery session with the Lions medical team and is now available for selection following the Golden Lions match. In line with McGeechan's selection policy of trying to start all Lions players in the opening three fixtures, PoL fully expect Halfpenny to start next Saturday against the Cheetahs.

On arrival, Halfpenny said, "It's just great to be back with the team. I've been working really hard with the Cardiff medical team and they have got me back to full fitness so I am raring to go for the Lions. Also as the youngest player on tour I now have responsibility for Lenny the Lion, so Keith (Earls) officially handed over custody as soon as I walked into the Team Room!".

'The Lions Roar' on BBC iPlayer

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-02T12:27:55+01:00

A quick heads up on a great programme the BBC have available on iPlayer about the 1974 Lions tour called The Lions Roar. For anyone who saw the Sky Sports Invincibles programme, this isn't a world away and uses plenty of similar footage, but this one has a particular focus on the political overtones of the 1974 tour and also has a tremendous soundtrack.

It's free viewing for anyone in the UK and N.Ireland, so I do recommend you check it out.

Rugby shouldn't be political in my view, but this trip inevitably was, and for younger people (myself included) it's a great history lesson and a look at some quite sensational rugby. JJ's try in the third test is just stunning. Such pace and handling. Nobody got a hand to him in that final run in - majestic stuff.

The Lions Roar on BBC iPlayer

Tuppence To Rejoin Lions

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-01T18:43:52+01:00

Leigh Halfpenny has successfully come through a fitness test and will fly out this evening to rejoin his Lions teammates. It's a huge boost for the Lions given the young wingers outstanding recent form and his ability as a long-range goal kicker.

Geech said at this afternoon's press conference that, "He's done two full sessions, including kicking sessions from 35 and then 40 metres. Leigh's been training, 'rehabing' outstandingly well. Our medical team gave him a programme to follow, which he's done.

"The Cardiff doctor watched him again with the physio... and there's been no comebacks from that at all, which we were waiting for. We got the phone call this morning so I gave him a ring straight away and said 'can you get on the plane tonight? So there was a bit of silence at the other end and I think he's already started packing his bags. So we hope to see him here by tomorrow morning."

The welsh winger was ruled out of the start of the tour before departure due to a thigh injury and was sent back to his club for intensive rehab and treatment. On arrival he will become the youngest current member of the squad and will inherit the mascot carrying duties from fellow Lion Keith Earls.

Boks To Face The Lions

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-01T17:31:27+01:00

The Springboks have announced the following squad to face the British and Irish Lions in the three test series.

Springbok Squad

Forwards
Andries Bekker
Bakkies Botha
Schalk Burger
Deon Carstens
Bismark Du Plessis
Ryan Kankowski
Victor Matfield
Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira
Chiliboy Ralepelle
Danie Rossouw
John Smit
Juan Smith
Pierre Spies
Guthrö Steenkamp

Backs
Jean De Villiers
Fourie Du Preez
Jaque Fourie
Bryan Habana
Adrian Jacobs
Ricky Januarie
Odwa Ndungane
Jongi Nokwe
Wynard Olivier
Ruan Pienaar
JP Pietersen
Earl Rose
Francois Steyn
Morné Steyn

The squad comprised 14 backs and 14 forwards, 10 players from S14 victors the Blue Bulls, 10 from the Natal Sharks, 4 from the Western Province and a pair each from both the Golden Lions and the Cheetahs.

Peter de Villiers has chosen to not include an out and out full-back in the squad, and when drawn on the omission he said: "I think we do have a few brilliant players there that have played in that position already. I don't know where and when you qualify as a recognised rugby player."

"We do have a few options and we will use the opportunity to take the best combinations for the kind of rugby that we want to play."

De Villiers also said that the likes of Luke Watson, Zane Kirchner and Johann Muller were unlucky to miss out on selection. Kirchner, the Blue Bulls incumbent full-back who has played brilliantly in the last few months is a particularly surprising omission given the Boks problems at the back.

Asked about the possible momentum the national side could draw from the Bulls emphatic win over the Chiefs at the weekend, team captain John Smit suggested it was "colossal".

"That's the kind of momentum and certainly we've seen the kind of confidence that they play with as a team. I'm sure that will infiltrate into our team and we are blessed that they are playing such good rugby and that they can come into this side that we are going to put against the British and Irish Lions."

The British & Irish Lions meet the Springboks in the first of three tests on Saturday June 20th at the ABSA stadium in Durban. The Lions also play an Emerging Springbok side on the Tuesday between the first and the second test and this squad was also announced.

Emerging Springbok Squad

Forwards: Jacques Botes, Jean Deysel, Wian du Preez, Werner Kruger, Patrick Cilliers, Tiaan Liebenberg, Bandisa Maku, Dewald Potgieter, Wilhelm Steenkamp, Steven Sykes, Franco van der Merwe, Duane Vermeulen.

Backs: Heini Adams, Bjorn Basson, Burton Francis, Zane Kirchner, Louis Ludik, Morgan Newman, Earl Rose, Deon van Rensburg, Jano Vermaak, Luzuko Vulindlu.

Springbok Squad Announcement @ 5.30PM BST Today

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-01T16:30:18+01:00

Peter De Villiers will announce his Springbok squad to face the British & Irish Lions at 5.30PM BST.

The head coach is expected to pick a squad rich with Bulls players, while the Sharks are likely to provide a large proportion of the squad. We'll have all the news as it breaks.

Golden Lions Team Announced

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-01T16:37:29+01:00

The Golden Lions squad to face the British & Irish Lions is as follows:

Golden Lions XV
1 Lawrence Sephaka
2 Willie Wepener
3 Gert Muller
4 Brad Mockford
5 Willem Stoltz
6 Cobus Grobbelar(c)
7 Franco v/d Merwe
8 Willem Alberts

9 Jano Vermaak
10 André Pretorius
11 Dusty Noble
12 Doppies la Grange
13 Jannie Boshoff
14 Michael Killian
15 Louis Ludik

Replacements

16 Ethienne Reyneke
17 JC Janse van Rensburg
18 Ernst Joubert
19 Todd Clever
20 Chris Jonck
21 Walter Venter
22 Earl Rose.

BOD Leads the Lions in Jo'burg

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-01T11:22:32+01:00

Tour manager Gerald Davies has announced the Lions team to face the Golden Lions on Wednesday night at Ellis Park. The team, which will be skippered by Brian O'Driscoll is as follows:

British & Irish Lions to Face Golden Lions

1. Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
2. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
3. Phil Vickery (Wasps/England)
4. Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland)
5. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
6. Tom Croft (Leicester/England)
7. David Wallace (Munster/Ireland)
8. Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland)

9. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)
10. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
11. Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
13. Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland) C
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
15. Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)

Replacements

16. Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland)
17. Euan Murray (Northampton/Scotland)
18. Stephen Ferris (Ulster/Ireland)
19. Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
20. Harry Ellis (Leicester/England)
21. James Hook (Ospreys/Wales)
22. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)

As expected the teams shows changes across the board as Geech and the coaching staff aim to give all the players game time in the first three tour matches. The management has chosen to retain some players, despite the short turn around time between games and David Wallace, Jamie Roberts and Tommy Bowe keep their starting places. Lee Mears, Phil Vickery, Alun-Wyn Jones, Jamie Heaslip and Mike Phillips join the starting line-up after starts from the bench. Stephen Jones fills the 10 shirt after being the only unused sub against the Royal XV on Saturday. Shane Williams has to settle for a spot on the bench after his first match start last weekend.

The team will be captained from the centre by Irish skipper Brian O'Driscoll. O'Driscoll was tipped to retain his 2005 Lions captaincy despite the unsuccessful nature of the last tour, but was pipped to the position by countryman O'Connell. The team includes 5 starting debuts while 6 more uncapped players makeup the bench.

Of the 36 players currently on tour, only Donncha O'Callaghan and Luke Fitzgerald have yet to be used by the Lions management. Leigh Halfpenny, expected to join the squad midweek will return the touring party to it's initial 37-man compliment.

Discussing the selection, Geech commented that, “The starting XV is very different to the one that played against the Royal XV on Saturday. There are only three players backing up from that match, although six of the replacements have been promoted to the starting XV. This is in line with the policy that all players will play a full match in the first three matches on tour."

“The team has a very solid core with Brian O’Driscoll, Stephen Jones, David Wallace, Phil Vickery and Gethin Jenkins, who are all very experienced internationals and previous Lions tourists.

“David Wallace now has the opportunity to play at openside flanker following his selection at No 8 against the Royal XV. Stephen Jones who was a replacement in the last match, but did not get a run, links-up with his Welsh team-mate and scrum-half, Mike Phillips, giving the team an experienced halfback combination.

Their opponents, the Golden Lions finished 12th in this years Super 14 championship, but there is a considerable history between the current S14 franchise and the British & Irish Lions. The team is the descendent of the Gauteng Lions and the Transvaal teams that since the 19th century have face the Lions a total of 17 times. A reunion for the Transvaal team of 1968 is planned for the eve of the game. The team beat the Lions and as a whole Transvaal has the most impressive club record against the tourists with 7 wins and one draw.

1st Game Highlights

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-01T11:07:02+01:00

For those of you who haven't seen it yet, or who just want more terror and heartache (I nearly had a coronary), check out these highlights from the Royal XV game at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Palace.

Team Announcement Today at 11.30AM BST

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-06-01T10:54:39+01:00

The Lions are set to announce the team for their second match against the Golden Lions at Lunchtime today. Ian McGeechan has said that he aims to give all squad members a run in the first three games so expect a new look match-day squad compared to the one that faced the Royal XV on Saturday.

We'll have all the breaking team news the moments it's available. Please check back shortly.

Earls Knock / Halfpenny Mending

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-31T13:11:32+01:00

Although it's unlikely he would have started the game on wednesday given his start in the opening tour match, Keith Earls looks to be ruled out for the next few days with an injury to his shoulder.

The tour youngster, the least experienced and most junior player on tour had a match to forget on Saturday, but will be keen to put the poor start behind him with an improved performance at the first opportunity.

Tour doctor James Robson expects the player to be ruled out for the next three days or so.

Meanwhile, the even younger Leigh Halfpenny is very much on the mend after undergoing intensive treatment sessions at home with the Cardiff Blues. He is expected to join the tour in the middle of next week and will take over the mantle of youngest player on tour and chief Lions mascot carrier.

Royal XV - Post Match Analysis

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-31T02:25:26+01:00

A thorough analysis of the Lions opening match against the Royal XV. It was a meandering, stuttery performance, but we got there in the end and the Lions emerged eventual winners 37-25.

There's so much to consider after this first 80 mins on the pitch and it's great to get have something firm to finally analyse.

Lions Vs. Royal XV - Post Match Analysis

Lions Vs. Royal XV - Player Ratings

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-30T21:50:18+01:00

Read our analysis of the Lions players individual performances in their opening tour match against the Royal XV. The Lions eventually won the match 37-25, but it was 75mins before they finally to the lead.

We'll have a further article analysing the match in general later. For now, take a look at our player ratings, and if you're interested, send us your feedback.

Lions Vs. Royal XV - Player Ratings

Final Score: Lions 37 Royal XV 25

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-30T14:00:00+01:00

The British & Irish Lions have stuttered to a win against the Royal XV, finally running out winners 37-25. The Lions started well and played a decent first 5 minutes before enduring an awful spell and conceding two tries to go 18-3 down. Tommy Bowe finally went over off a nice inside ball from Ronan O'Gara on 38 mins and begin to turn the tide.

By 60mins, the game was teetering on the brink and the Lions made a string of replacements in the shape of Phillips, Flutey, Mears, Vickery, A.W Jones and Heaslip and began to tighten the screw. A brilliant individual try from Lee Byrne and another from Alun-Wyn Jones finally pushed the Lions into the lead before a nicely worked move was finished by O'Gara to put the Lions out of sight. They left it to the last minute and as a fan it was a severely nerve wracking match!

Two early tries from Wilhelm Koch and Rayno Barnes for the Royal XV compounded pressure that the Lions could only blame themselves for. The game was a litany of errors and the young Keith Earls looked particularly nervous. A number of poor drops and a lack of composure from the Irishman largely hid the youngsters talents. By contrast, his centre partner Jamie Roberts, while not exactly flashy, did the basics well, kicked a raking touch-finder and ran hard and straight providing a target for the support runners.

Lee Byrne was solidity incarnate at the back and was the Lions standout player. While many looked nervous and unsure, Byrne, part of an all-Ospreys back three, showed real class in both composure and creativity. The tale was really one of dropped balls and missed opportunities with the Lions failing to finish a number of chances. The Royal XV were extremely tough opposition despite the walk-over expected in some quarters and never looked like a side who were willing to step backwards.

A full match report will look into the first match in detail later. Check back this evening.

Lions (10) 37 Tries: Bowe, Byrne, Wyn Jones, O'Gara Cons: O'Gara 4 Pens: O'Gara 3

Royal XV (18) 25 Tries: Koch, Barnes, Roux Cons: Olivier, Viljoen Pens: Olivier 2

GOOD LUCK LIONS!!!

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-30T13:26:52+01:00

The British & Irish Lions face their first game today against the Royal XV at The Bafokeng Sports Palace in Phokeng near Rustenburg.

We're all behind them, and the excitement is unbelievable. The waiting is OVER.

Good Luck from everyone here at Pride of Lions.

Let's get it on.

C'MON BOYS!!!

Powell & Ferris Ruled Out

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-30T11:39:43+01:00

Andy Powell and Stephen Ferris have both failed to recover from minor injuries and have been ruled out of the Lions first tour match against the Royal XV this afternoon.

David Wallace replaces Powell at number eight, while Jamie Heaslip slots into the empty bench seat. Heaslip scored a try in the Heineken cup final last week, and was initially exempt from selection like all Leicester and Leinster players. It'll be interesting to see whether he is used.

James Robson, team doctor for the Lions since 1993, told the press that "Both players are expected to recover and play a role on tour."

"After treatment and further assessment of the injuries the medical staff believe precaution is the sensible option considering we are at the start of the tour," added Robson.

"On this advice head coach Ian McGeechan believed it was better for the two players and the squad that they not play in the first match. "It is important to understand that the management of injuries and their treatment is not black and white. One minute an injury will respond to treatment, then its nature can change, necessitating a change in the treatment regime. That is why we are continually monitoring the players and any injuries."

Where To Watch The Game? - Royal XV

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-30T02:46:32+01:00

The Lions face the Royal XV this afternoon in their first game on tour.

- KO is at 2.00PM BST/3.00PM Local.

- Live on Sky Sports 1 & HD1. Coverage from 1.30PM - 4.15PM BST.

- For further rugby fixture info check Where's The Match.com

Lions Fantasy Rugby

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-30T02:31:22+01:00

TestRugby.com are running a great Lions Fantasy rugby game. It's simple, but with quite deep gameplay. Buy 12 players with your $12,000,000 budget and substitute players between games. Points are awarded for all manner of things including the obvious - tries, penalties - and the more obscure - forcing a turnover and making a tackle. It looks like a lot of fun.

You can setup your own mini divisions, for friends and family to join, and I've set one up for Pride of Lions readers. I recommend checking it out. You've got until game time to submit your team I believe. If you want to join our division, it's called Pride of Lions UK and my teamname is prideoflions.

Lions Links

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-29T16:15:02+01:00

The buzz surrounding the 2009 tour has reached something of a fever pitch in anticipation of tomorrow's game and I thought it was worth pointing you to some of the other good stuff out there for the keen Lions fan.

My thanks to reader 'Ant' for pointing me to the Tommy Bowe blog. In no particular order and without further ado, some really interesting links for those with a penchant for all things Lions:

Tommy Bowe's Blog - A great behind the scenes look from a player on the inside. Very much a blog/diary feel, and a world away from some of the more sanitised blogs on the larger news websites.

Mike Phillips Column - The welshman's column is another gracing the pages of a 'smaller' news site, which is very much a good thing.

Rob Kearney's Blog - If you want 'from the horses' mouth, this looks brilliant. It looks to be a marketing tie-in to some extent, but worth a look all the same.

Fantasy Lions - I haven't signed up for this myself yet, but I'm told that it's far superior to the rather rubbish fantasy league Sky have setup. I'm going to try and signup this evening and will setup a Pride Of Lions mini-league for anyone that is interested. Check back later for details!

Martyn Williams is also writing a blog over on the BBC Sport site, but this will have been seen by most already I'd imagine. We'll be adding more links as we come across them.

Powell & Ferris Injury Worries

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-29T15:55:13+01:00

The Lions management have more injury worries running into tomorrows first game against the Royal XV in Rustenburg. Number 8 starter Andy Powell and substitute Stephen Ferris are both carrying minor injuries. Powell has an injured hand caused, bizarrely, by an insect bite, while Ferris has a calf strain. Despite the concerns, the Lions management has expressed confidence in the depth of the squad.

"We've got a couple of niggles," said Lions scrummaging coach Graham Rowntree. "Andy Powell picked up a bit of a hand injury this week, and didn't train fully this morning. We will assess that tomorrow morning. "Stephen Ferris has got a bit of a calf injury, which we will assess tomorrow as well. "We've got a great medical team, and we are certainly not ruling people out the day before a game. "We've got various contingency plans. With all the back-row options we have, we can make decisions on the day of the game."

Joe Worsley is not an unknown at number eight, and while Jamie Heaslip played in last weekend's Heineken Cup Final, it is not impossible that the Lions management may call on him earlier than expected.

Rowntree is also wise the the potential banana-skin this first match poses. "There is a trap waiting for us if we think they are the weakest team we will face on this tour. If I was playing for them (the Royal XV), it would probably be the biggest game of my life, a huge opportunity to turn over a Lions team that is playing together for the first time. They will be licking their lips waiting for us. I expect an onslaught from them. It doesn't matter if it is a team thrown together - they will fancy their chances."

First To The Field - Analysis

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-29T03:25:04+01:00

The Lions face their first game tomorrow and it's time for the talking to stop and the playing to begin. Read our analysis of the first team to be selected ahead of Saturday's game.

C'Mon Boys!!!

First To The Field - Selection Analysis

Lions Squad To Face Royal XV

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-28T11:07:29+01:00

The 2009 British and Irish Lions have chosen their first team to face the Royal XV this Saturday in Rustenburg. Paul O'Connell, tour captain, will lead the side from the second-row. Lions replacement Mike Blair, combines with Munster's Ronan O'Gara in the tour's first half-back pairing while a large and powerful pack includes a multi-faceted back-row with Martyn Williams' link-play, Worsley's tackling and the carrying power of Andy Powell.

The team includes players from all four home nations although Mike Blair is the only Scot in the match-day 22. 10 Welshmen, 5 Irishmen and 6 Irishmen have been chosen, with players who were involved in last weekends Heineken Cup final rested. Full analysis later today.

The selected players are:

British & Irish Lions v Royal XV
15. Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)
14. Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland)
13. Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland)
12. Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
11. Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)
10. Ronan O’Gara (Munster/Ireland)
9. Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland)

8. Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
7. Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales)
6. Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England)
5. Paul O’Connell (Munster/Ireland) captain
4. Simon Shaw (London Wasps/England)
3. Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
2. Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales)
1. Andrew Sheridan (Sales Sharks/England)

Replacements
16. Lee Mears (Bath/England)
17. Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England)
18. Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales)
19. Stephen Ferris (Ulster/Ireland)
20. Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales)
21. Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales)
22. Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England)

Lions Memories - 2009 Original Squad

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-28T09:48:42+01:00

With the Lions set to announce their first team later today, here's a video of the original squad. A number of players have changed since this announcement on the April 21st due to either injury or disciplinary bans. Here's the original pride, for those that need a memory jog! It's interesting to see the difference in the squad just over a month later.

Lions To Announce Squad

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-28T10:34:55+01:00

The first Lions team of the 2009 tour is due to be announced by Ian McGeechan and the Lions staff at the Sandton Convention Centre at 12.30pm local time. The Lions face the Royal XV scratch side in Rustenburg on Saturday. A comfortable victory is expected given the gulf between experience, but the Lions will be looking not just to secure a victory but to make a clear statement of intent with a powerful, assured display. Who will be first to wear the famous red shirt?!

We'll have all the breaking team news shortly.

Tuppence Recovering Well

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-27T14:55:28+01:00

Lions wünder-kid Leigh Halfpenny is on schedule for a return to the squad as his recovery at home in Wales goes well. Halfpenny returned to his club for intensive treatment on a thigh injury. The Cardiff Blue team are very happy with the progress so far and he is expected to join the tourists in South Africa early next week.

Cardiff Blues physio Tim Atter had the following to say about his charge's recovery. "He's running hard and is up to 80% and over the next two days we hope to get him back to full pace. We have worked mainly on strengthening and conditioning and Leigh has also done some light kicking. Hopefully he can fly out to meet up with the rest of the Lions on the weekend or early next week. Leigh himself has been really positive and worked exceptionally hard - he is determined to get on the tour."

Halfpenny was always anticipated to rejoin the squad, but the Lions management chose to draft in Welsh compatriot James Hook to fill the whole left by Leigh Halfpenny and Tom Shanklin. A fly-half cum centre cum full-back, Hook's game and style fits somewhere between Shanklin's and Halfpenny's and he also adds a third no.10 option to the Lions squad.

Bok Selection for Warm-Up

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-27T14:06:42+01:00

Peter de Villiers has named the South African side to face a Namibian Invitational XV in a warm up game this weekend. De Villiers has chosen three uncapped players in the shape of Gauteng full-back Earl Rose, Stormer Morgan Newman and Sharks back-row Jean Deysel.

On the bench, Wian du Preez, Jano Vermaak and Steven Sykes are also new to the side. The head coach recently spoke out about the lack of black players gaining places in the Super 14, despite his feeling that they deserved a place on form. He cited Newman as one of these unlucky players, and given this, his inclusion is not surprising:

"I don't think the unions help me at this stage when it comes to transformation. The Lions played just one black player per game, and if you look at the Stormers, they ended with two black players at the end of the season."Two years ago in the Emerging Bok side, I thought that Morgan Newman showed me that he is one of the top players."

Despite a number of new caps, the team picked looks strong, particularly in the front row, where captain John Smit continues his conversion to tighthead while Bismark Du Plessis hooks and Tendai 'Beast' Mtawarira fills the loosehead position. Jean de Villiers continues his recovery and is named on the bench alongside a handful of further experienced boks.

South African XV
15 Earl Rose, 14 Jongi Nokwe, 13 Morgan Newman, 12 Meyer Bosman, 11 Odwa Ndungane, 10 Peter Grant, 9 Ricky Januarie, 8 Ryan Kankowski, 7 Jean Deysel, 6 Heinrich Brussow, 5 Andries Bekker, 4 Johann Muller, 3 John Smit (c), 2 Bismarck du Plessis, 1 Beast Mtawarira.

16 Adriaan Strauss, 17 Wian du Preez, 18 Steven Sykes, 19 Juan Smith, 20 Schalk Burger, 21 Jano Vermaak, 22 Jean de Villiers, 23 Adi Jacobs, 24 JP Pietersen.

No Grenades Please Warren!

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-27T10:13:42+01:00

Lions forwards coach Warren Gatland has promised to avoid offering the Springboks any controversial mind-game ammunition over the course of the tour. Prior to this year's Six Nations decider the Welsh coach famously talked up the 'hatred his side felt for the Irish, only for the classy Irish to beat them at home. Along the way Paul O'Connell, told the Kiwi to basically put his ego in check:

"Jose Mourinho used to do it a lot with Chelsea, taking the pressure off his players. You need a big ego to do that which he seems to have from his recent success as a coach. Perhaps he needs to get his feet back on the ground now."

Gatland seems to have taken on board the possible harm this sort of comment can do in terms of motivation the opposition and during a press conference the Hamilton man expressed an intention to do the talking on the field.

"I want to keep my mouth shut. I've had a couple of lessons... I'm hopefully going to be very, very boring"

He added, "But I think it's important for this tour that I keep my mouth shut and keep the grenades out of my pocket and not throw any. You've got to be very careful what you say sometimes because you can upset people, but you don't want to also motivate them too much."

Positivity & Confidence Ahead of Lions Debut

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-26T18:36:38+01:00

The Lions landed in South Africa early on Monday morning and face their first match against the Royal XV this Saturday. The tone emerging from the camp this week - both squad and management - is overwhelmingly positive and confident.

The tourists are based at the Sandton Sun Hotel in Johannesburg and the first team is due to be announced this Thursday lunchtime. Forwards coach Warren Gatland has highlighted the importance of the breakdown area and called for intensity and dynamism from the squad.

"If we're not dynamic at the breakdown, we're going to come up short. That is one of the things we have been working on - it's a hugely important facet of the game" he said.

"We've taken a few clips of the Super 14 and shown the players the dynamism at the breakdown - and we've got to make sure we match that and be prepared to be very physical. Every tackle, every hit has to be 100%, and if you are not prepared to do that, you are going to come up short."

Ever since the squad was announced on April 21, the power and physicality of the Lions back-row has been a talking point. McGeechan and the management team have clearly chosen an extremely robust pack, particularly in the back-row - a clear statement that the Lions will not be bullied at the breakdown.

Following the explosive performance of Pierre Spies at the weekend, and the general calibre of South African back-rowers, the Lions will have to be at their best to assert their dominance. From a spectators point of view, the decision to front up to South African teams in this area promises some serious fireworks.

Despite the enormous challenges, Warren Gatland is still his indomitably determined self: "We're a lot further forward on that count after ten days than we thought we'd be. The calibre and quality of the players has meant they are able to fit in and pick it all up really quickly." We're all excited just to get the first game done now."

Likewise the players have been fairly effusive in their praise for the environment the management has created, particularly those with past Lions experience to compare to. Speaking in his BBC column, third time tourist Martyn Williams eluded to the head-coaches' talismanic Lions reputation.

"No-one understands the Lions better, and if last week at Pennyhill Park was anything to go by, Geech has got the balance spot on. It was an awesome week and by Wednesday everyone was really comfortable in each other's company."

McGeechan clearly brings a more balanced approach to the Lions concept. One of the most decorated Lions names ever, "Geech" is simply synonymous with the Lions. While the dismal 2005 tour attempted to unlock the Lions formula with cold hard professionalis, the 2009 Lions is already something of a subtler brew.

Taking on the reigning World Champs certainly requires training and rugby know-how, but McGeechan and co. clearly believe in the importance of the 'other' stuff also. Bonding is crucial and the coaches seem to think that the physical effects of a pint together are far outweighed by the power it has to knit a team of disparate stars into a single-minded collective.

Paul O'Connell has also spoken of the pride at stake. Having lost the last two test series, the Lions are determined to record a series win in South Africa.

"The players must now live up to the tradition of what the Lions is all about," said the tour captain. "Maybe in 2005 we didn't do the Lions jersey proud - but this tour gives us a chance to restore that pride. All the talent is there for us to be competitive, we have a great coaching team, but now it's up to us, the players, to perform as a team".
The task ahead of them seems nearly impossible when viewed in a cold clinical light, but that's leaving aside the steely resolve and never-say-die attitude that is so ingrained in the Lions psyche and obviously coarsing through POC's veins.

The Lions have had their fair share of injury issues in the lead up to the tour, but so to have the Boks, and to some extent, it could be argued that on this front, the scores are even. However the management have confirmed that the South African based squad trained injury free today*, and Brian O'Driscoll has shaken off a shoulder injury that he suffered in last weekend's Heineken Cup final. Leigh Halfpenny remains at home while he receives intensive treatment for a thigh injury, but is expected to join the tour in due course.

The stage is certainly set and the pride sound hungry!

*Ross Ford replaced Jerry Flannery on Friday. My apologies for not adding this as a separate news item, I was out of the office all day and it slipped my mind.

Lions Memories - 'Boozy Boat Race'

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-25T23:23:17+01:00

The good old booze boat race. The first second man drinks only after the first man finishes and so on. First team to finish wins. Easy! Short clip of the a few 1997 Lions taking on the 1974 pedigree. Not so common in the professional era!

Lions Memories - Bentley's Stunning Solo Effort

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-25T11:40:09+01:00

We didn't have a video for you yesterday (apologies!) so we'll be posting two today by way of recompense! To begin with, this quite astonishing solo effort from John Bentley against the Gauteng Lions when the 1997 vintage faced them at Ellis Park. Quite possibly the best individual try I've ever seen in terms of running a defence ragged, beating so many players on your own, and finally making it to the line without support. Stunning.

Lions Depart

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-25T10:30:21+01:00

The British and Irish Lions departed for South Africa yesterday night on a special British Airways aircraft named Airforce Scrum. The flight left at 1905 BST and landed at 0550 BST this morning. With the tourists departed and the first game against the Royal XV in Rustenburg only 6 days away, the scale of the task ahead is not lost on the Lions management despite earlier success in the rainbow nation.

Head coach Ian McGeechan commented on the 1997 Lions tour, saying: "That South Africa side was very good, make no mistake about it - I remember they beat Australia by 60 points after the Lions series." He was clear however, that the challenge in 2009 is greater still:

"South African rugby is in very good shape and they have stability in their coaching team. We know how tough this tour is going to be. It is probably the toughest challenge the Lions have faced. The game had only just gone professional in 1997 and the amount of work that they put into their side compared to now is chalk and cheese."

"This side is fitter, more settled and better prepared. It's a bigger challenge for us than in 97, make no mistake about it." he added.

Geech also commented on the preparations this week at the Lions training camp at Pennyhill Park, Surrey. "The week has gone very well and the lads have been excellent. We got straight down to the rugby on Tuesday, looking mainly at tactical and technical things, and have been training twice a day since then. It is as good as it has ever been on any of the Lions tours I've been involved in."

"The players seem very at ease in each other's company," he said. "Sometimes you don't get that initially on a Lions tour, but it is very important. The Lions is such a unique thing and togetherness has to be a big part of it. You have to understand each other as people as well as rugby players."

McGeechan has confirmed that players from Leinster and Leicester who competed in the Heineken Cup final this weekend would not be considered for the opening test against Rustenburg. He also expressed his relief at Brian O'Driscoll's recovery from an apparent 'stinger' injury during the final in Edinburgh. "I must admit I did have a second look when Brian went down, but he is fine." said McGeechan.

Commenting on the injury, the Leinster centre said: "You get 'stingers' and that sort of thing in games - I've had a few of them." I am very motivated, and the goal is to try to win a Test series and to be a part of that. It is not about being involved in the squad or touring South Africa and having a great time - it is about winning a Test series - that is the bottom line."

The Importance of The 1st Test

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-23T14:33:43+01:00

The opening test of a Lions series is notoriously important. Invariably, the winner goes on to win the series. Arguably, the first test in South Africa is even more important than usual given the altitude of the later fixtures. The Boks meet the Lions in Durban on June 20th and the tension will be huge.

Read our analysis article here.

Lions Memories - 2005 Bay of Plenty

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-23T15:00:14+01:00

The 2005 tour to New Zealand was an unmitigated disaster from most angles. A 3-0 'blackwash', a loss to the NZ Maori, an injured captain in the first half of the first test - it wasn't good! However, there were highlights and the opening of the Bay Of Plenty game showed that the 2005 Lions did have a semblance of class. Not test rugby maybe, but a great opening 10 minutes for an otherwise doomed tour.

Hook Called Up By Lions

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-23T11:27:50+01:00

The British & Irish Lions have called James Hook into the squad as a replacement for the injured Leigh Halfpenny. Halfpenny will miss the beginning of the tour due to a thigh injury, but is expected to rejoin the squad after intensive treatment. The replacement player will however stay with the squad throughout the tour, regardless of Halfpenny's return.

Unveiling Hook, Tour Manager Gerald Davies said, "Leigh Halfpenny has returned to Cardiff where he is to undergo treatment for his thigh injury. As the injury means he will miss the start of the tour Ian McGeechan and his fellow selectors have called up James Hook to the squad for the tour to South Africa."

Commenting on the replacement Head Coach Ian McGeechan said, "After analysing our requirements for a replacement as we head to South Africa on Sunday we decided that James was the ideal person to come into the tour squad."

"A very important consideration for us was to strengthen the goal kicking options in the squad. James is an accomplished goal kicker and has scored over 200 points for his country in his 33 appearances. Also, he has played at fly half, centre and fullback for Wales but is also comfortable at outside centre."

"He is very familiar with other backs in the squad having played in the same Welsh team as Mike Phillips, Stephen Jones, Jamie Roberts, Shane Williams and Lee Byrne. Three of these also play in the Ospreys team with him that also includes Tommy Bowe. Therefore there is an existing understanding between all of these players."

"James has been pulled out of the Wales tour to Canada and USA by the Welsh Rugby Union. He was due to leave with them today for Canada but instead James will now join us in camp in Bagshot. We are very grateful to the WRU for releasing James for the British & Irish Lions tour."

Hook's announcement comes as something of a surprise. Delon Armitage of London Irish and England was the clear front runner to fill the slot, offering similar goal kicking and positional utility options to Leigh Halfpenny. Armitage was probably unlucky to miss out on the original tour selection, so being overlooked as a replacement for Halfpenny will be especially galling.

As a fly-half/centre and occasional full-back who hasn't yet found their position of choice, Hook is something of a different animal to Halfpenny. Goal-kicking has clearly been an important factor in selection and his choice over Armitage, may be a tacit acknowledgement of a squad weakness in this area.

Hook was due to tour North America this summer with the Welsh national side and Ospreys centre Sonny Parker will replace him.

Lions Films on Sky

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-22T17:47:08+01:00

Sky Sports are airing a number of very worthwhile films in the run-up to the Lions tour this summer. First up is a new documentary called 'The Invincibles' which follows the famous unbeaten 1974 Lions tour to South Africa. It apparently includes unseen home-video of the tour and a number of candid interviews as well as original footage of matches. The film will be shown in two parts - tonight at 10pm on Sky Sports 2 with the conclusion tomorrow night at 9pm on the same channel.

The second film 'Living with Lions' is probably the most famous Lions film of them all. The story of the 1997 Lions in South Africa is the definitive behind-the-scenes view and as far as I'm aware, this is one of, if not the only time it has been broadcast on television. 'Living with Lions' will also air in two parts, on Monday and Tuesday at 10pm on Sky Sports 1.

The Invincibles: Part 1 - Friday 22nd May @ 10pm on Sky Sports 2
The Invincibles: Part 2 - Saturday 23rd May @ 9pm on Sky Sports 2

Living with Lions: Part 1 - Monday 25th May @ 10pm on Sky Sports 1
Living with Lions: Part 2 - Tuesday 26th May @ 10pm on Sky Sports 1

Ford to Replace Flannery

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-22T17:27:25+01:00

Ian McGeechan and the Lions management have called up Scottish hooker Ross Ford to replace the injured Jerry Flannery. A replacement for Leigh Halfpenny has not yet been announced, but it is understood that a player will be announced in due course.

Tour manager, Gerald Davies said, "Munster hooker Jerry Flannery tore ligaments in his left elbow in training on Wednesday that unfortunately ruled him out of the tour. His place in the tour squad is taken by Edinburgh's 25-year old hooker Ross Ford who played in all five of Scotland's 2009 Six Nations championship matches."

They also clarified the extent of Flannery's injury, explaining that he saw an orthapedic specialist yesterday who confirmed that surgery would be required. Flannery will be operated on today and begin recovery immediately.

Ford becomes the fourth Scot to join the tour, up from two in the original touring party, after the earlier addition of Scottish captain Mike Blair was called up to replace the injured Tómas O'Leary.

Asked to comment on the call-up Ian McGeechan said, "Jerry has had a terrific season and he anchored the Irish scrum during Ireland's Six Nations Grand Slam season. It is disappointing that after selection for the Lions his season should end with a pre-tour injury."

"Injuries are a part of the game and while very distressing for the affected player we as a squad have to accept them as a fact of life. It is a part of the game we play. We are focussed on moving forward, concentrating on the task at hand and the first match. Ross is a terrific player and he will naturally slot straight in as hooker. I look forward to welcoming him into camp tonight,"

Lions Memories - 'Billy Whizz'

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-22T12:12:09+01:00

One of the greatest, most dramatic tries ever. Jason Robinson's opening try in the 1st Test against Australia on the 2001 tour. Robinson was a relative unknown quantity on the Union stage at this point, his adversary, Chris Latham, one of the greatest back three players in Australian history.

The build-up, the timing, the rookie versus the star, the step, the acceleration, the willpower and that fist-pump. This try had it all. Heady stuff.

Lions Replacements Tomorrow

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-21T17:51:56+01:00

The Lions management confirmed this afternoon that replacements for Jerry Flannery and Leigh Halfpenny (who is expected to return to the tour following treatment) will not be made until Friday 22nd May.

Lions Memories - 'Stitches'

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-21T12:19:50+01:00

Given how many injuries seem to be affecting the camp at the moment, we thought a video of a Lions legend getting patched up was suitable for today's Lions memory. Tomorrow, we'll get started on some tries!

Flannery Latest to Fall

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-20T22:35:10+01:00

Irish hooker Jerry Flannery is the latest Lion to be ruled out of the tour. The Lions management confirmed this evening that the Munster player had torn ligaments in his elbow during training this afternoon.

Flannery is the fourth injured player to be affected prior to departure while Ian McGeechan's preparation has also been hampered by Alan Quinlan's 12 week ban.

A statement from the Lions squad also explained that: "Flannery will be assessed by an orthopaedic specialist on Thursday and will start his rehabilitation as soon as possible. The Lions management will make an announcement regarding a replacement in due course."

In an interview with the BBC, Fran Cotton, speaking on a different subject, mentioned that the Lions lose an average of 7 players to injury over the course of a tour. So far three players have been ruled out due to injury, Tómas O'Leary (ankle), Tom Shanklin (shoulder) and Jerry Flannery (elbow) while Leigh Halfpenny's departure will be postponed while he receives treatment for a thigh problem.

Quinlan Out, Croft In

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-20T20:35:44+01:00

Alan Quinlan will not tour with the British & Irish Lions this summer after an appeal to overturn his 3 month ban was rejected.

The Munster flanker, a surprise inclusion in the original squad was cited and subsequently received a 12 week ban for a gouging incident against Leo Cullen in the Heineken Cup semi-final on May 2nd.

Leicester back-row Tom Croft has been chosen by Ian McGeechan to replace the Irishman. Tour Manager Gerald Davies this evening made the announcement stating that: "Alan Quinlan's suspension is naturally disappointing and he must be devastated by the outcome of the hearing and appeal. That said the Lions management fully accepts the decisions of the ERC judicial process. The outcome necessitated the selection of a new player and Ian McGeechan and his fellow selectors had no hesitation in selecting Leicester's Tom Croft."

Asked to comment further on the selection of Croft, McGeechan added: "We had to be fair and allow Alan Quinlan the opportunity to appeal his suspension. However, following the outcome of the appeal we have replaced Quinlan with Tom Croft who, it must be said, was very unlucky not to have been selected in the original tour party."

"Tom showed in his recent performances for Leicester following the tour party announcement that he could put aside his disappointment and perform at a very high level. He was on our selection reserve list and today his continued good form has been rewarded with selection to the Lions squad for the tour of South Africa."

Halfpenny Carries Injury into Tour

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-20T15:28:45+01:00

Leigh Halfpenny is set to miss the early stages of the Lions tour due to an existing thigh injury that is more serious than first thought.

He will return to his Cardiff club tomorrow where he will receive treatment for the injury which is more serious than initially thought. Having had a scan of the area today, the injury is expected to take up to two weeks to recover. The Lions management have clarified their view that only fit players should depart for the tour.

A replacement will be announced shortly, but it is expected that following treatment and on the condition that a full recovery is made, Halfpenny will fly to South Africa to rejoin the Lions squad. This will return the squad to it’s pre-injury complement of 37 player. (The touring party dropped to 36 after McGeechan chose not to replace the injured Tom Shanklin.)

Lions Memories - 1989 Series Win

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-20T12:18:57+01:00

The 1989 series in Australia doesn’t have the nostalgia attached of 1971, 1974 or 1997, but they won against an Australian side full of legends of the game. This video is a rarity, and many thanks to RugbyDump.com for making it available. It’s a surprise Campese ever had the nerve to open his big mouth after that attempt at a pass....

Lions Memories - 'Court'

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-19T15:28:28+01:00

Second in our series of memorable Lions clips, it’s worth remembering the importance of bonding and togetherness during a British and Irish Lions Tour. The team are currently at Pennyhill Park preparing for their departure this weekend and this video from the 1997 tour is a hilarious example of Lions off-pitch dynamics! Ian McGeechan can certainly put his drink away!

SA Announce Training Squad

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-19T13:00:28+01:00

Rory Kockott, the in-form scrum-half with the Sharks Super 14 franchise has not been included in the Springbok training squad announced today. The Bok training squad will face a Namibian Invitational XV on May 29 as the South African national side gear up for the test series against the Lions.

After a superb Super 14 campaign, the omission is a surprise. Despite his form, Kockott recently received a red card and one match ban for an ‘open-hand slap’ on Highlanders flanker Adam Thomson. Instead, head coach Peter de Villiers has opted for Ricky Januarie and the uncapped Jano Vermaak.

De Villiers’ squad includes 6 uncapped players and leaves for Windhoek on May 28 following a three day training camp. Neither Ruan Pienaar or Deon Carstens were considered for selection due to injury. De Villiers also expressed his hope that Pienaar would be available for the test series.

"Ruan is expected to be out for about three weeks and we will closely monitor his progress, I am hoping that he will be fit to play in the first Test against the Lions in Durban but we are fortunate in that we have adequate cover in the fly-half position if it is required".

Jaque Fourie was also exempt from consideration as he is getting married the day after the game against the Namibian Invitational side. Likewise, no players from the Blue Bulls were considered due to their involvement in the playoff stages for the Super 14 competition.

Springbok Training Squad

Andries Bekker, Heinrich Brüssow, Schalk Burger, Jean de Villiers, Jean Deysel*, Bismarck Du Plessis, Wian Du Preez*, Peter Grant, Adi Jacobs, Ricky Januarie, Ryan Kankowski, Tendai Mtawarira, Johan Muller, Odwa Ndungane, Morgan Newman*, Jongi Nokwe, JP Pietersen, Earl Rose*, John Smit (c), Juan Smith, Adriaan Strauss, Steven Sykes*, Jano Vermaak*.

*Denotes Uncapped Player

Lions Memories - 'Everest'

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-18T14:37:37+01:00

Everyday from now until the 30th May, in the run-up to the Lions first game, we will be posting a classic Lions video from the archives. The greatest tries, the greatest tackles, the greatest team-talks of yesteryear.

The 2009 Lions meet-up for the first time today and fittingly we’ve chosen a video of another meeting - this time the famous ‘Everest’ speech given by Jim Telfer to 1997 Lions forwards prior to the first test.

The first match of the 2009 Tour is less than two weeks away and it’s time to get the passion flowing!

Gathering Pride

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-18T13:51:02+01:00

The Lions gathered for the first time today for a week long training camp prior to departure for South Africa. The tourists met at Pennyhill Park in Surrey with 34 of the 36 selected players present.

Euan Murray and Alan Quinlan were the only two not available today. Euan Murray has not yet been released by Northampton while Quinlan, currently banned for gouging, is expected to contest the decision which if it stands will rule him out of the tour.

Tour manager Gerald Davies expressed his displeasure with Northampton’s stance regarding Murray: "We were informed this morning by Northampton that Euan Murray will not be released," said Davies.

"We informed the Unions of our plans for this week back in the autumn and no one responded to say that they disagreed with those plans. We did emphasise that there would be no training whatsoever today and that players would be released back to those clubs involved in the two finals by 6pm this evening.

"Euan will be joining us after the European Challenge Cup Final at the weekend. We are very disappointed with that.”

On a more positive front, both Ian McGeechan and Paul O’Connell spoke united on the challenges awaiting the Lions in South Africa. "First and foremost, the talent is here," explained O'Connell, who will be embarking on his second successive tour following the 2005 series in New Zealand.

"The coaching staff have very good ideas on how we want to play and how we want to perform. I think all those bits are going to be ticked off so it's about us coming together as a team.

"We don't have a lengthy time frame so we don't have time to suss each other out. We really have to work on coming together as a team in a short space of time. If we can do that then we'll have a very good chance in South Africa."

No Replacement for Shanks

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-18T13:03:48+01:00

The British & Irish Lions will not replace Tom Shanklin in their touring squad, following his dislocating shoulder ruling him out of the tour.

At a press conference at Pennyhill Park in Bagshot, Surrey, Ian McGeechan explained that originally going with 37 men was a safeguard against the possibility of Lions playing in the Heineken Cup final. "When we selected the extra player back in April we were really trying to cover all our bases regarding the Heineken Cup final, where we could have been without 16 players," McGeechan told a news conference to mark the squad's first day together.”

"As it's transpired, for the first two tour games we can cover the squad and really we want to give the opportunity and the responsibility to the players who are there to try to fill that role. "Going back to 36 just gives us the chance to give players and combinations a bit more game time which is so important with so little time before the first test."

Croft Expected to Replace Quinlan

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-18T10:08:15+01:00

The BBC is reporting that Leicester flanker Tom Croft is expected to replace Alan Quinlan should the Munsterman’s appeal fail. Quinlan was cited, and subsequently found guilty of gouging in the Heineken Cup semi-final against Leinster.

The BBC are also reporting that the Lions are not expected to replace injured Blues centre Tom Shanklin, although it is unclear whether this is a short or long term decision. If Ian McGeechan intends not to replace Tom Shanklin for the duration of the tour, then the Lions player squad will be reduced to just 36 players.

We’ll have confirmation of these reports as soon as the management make their decisions known.

Cipriani Harbours Lions Hopes

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-15T09:41:09+01:00

Wasps and England fly-half Danny Cipriani is to delay an operation to remove a metal pin from his ankle to ensure that he is available for England selection and Lions backup should he be required. Last year the Wasps player suffered a horrendous fracture dislocation and the pin was required to facilitate the correct recovery.

Confirming that he has spoken to the Lions management, Cipriani said "I am on standby for the Lions and it is great but I am just thinking of getting selected for England."

England have a fixture against the Ba-Ba’s at Twickenham on May 30th, which coincides with the Lions first game, and face two tests against Argentina in June, one home, one away.

"I am hungry every time England comes around," added Cipriani. "I am hungry every time to put on that England rose. That is what drove me. That is what made me choose rugby when I was young. That is the fire in the belly that I have. Going to Argentina will be a ferocious test but England have come a long way since the autumn. After the tours I will decide when I will take the pin out, but it will be the end of June when everyone is back. I will still get a good summer if I do it that way."

Alfie Questions Squad Size

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-15T09:28:34+01:00

Despite criticism of 2005’s touring party and it’s bloated unwieldiness, ex-Lion skipper Gareth Thomas fears the squad selected might be too small to be effective.

Ian McGeechan has chosen 37 players for this tour in contrast to the 51 selected by Clive Woodward 4 years ago, but Thomas has suggested that a less-is-more attitude may not be the way to go.

"Sometimes to have more players then less players is a good thing," said Thomas. Speaking with regard to that last tour the Welsh back added: "The crux of it all is if we'd have won the rugby and won the Tests then it would have looked back and everybody would have seen it as the right thing to do. Hindsight is fantastic.

“I think everything was done with the best preparation and the best for the team, it didn't work out because we lost on the field ultimately. We lost three Tests, we lost three Tests heavily, and we played New Zealand when they were at their best as well."

Alan Quinlan Banned for 12 Weeks

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-13T15:08:49+01:00

Alan Quinlan has been banned by a citing committee judging his case and will miss the British & Irish Lions tour to South Africa.

The incident, which occurred in Munster’s Heineken Cup semi loss to Leinster on May 2nd involved Quinlan’s fingers making contact with Leo Cullen’s eye area. Gouging is considered extremely seriously by citing committee’s and the 12 week ban is the minimum allowable in the event of a guilty verdict.

The independent Disciplinary Committee chaired by Roger Morris (Wales) and also comprising Simon Thomas (Wales) and Mike Hamlin (England), found Mr Quinlan guilty of foul play in contravention of Law 10.4 (k) in that he had made contact with the eye area of Leinster player Leo Cullen. Both parties have the right to appeal within 72hrs.

Speaking to BBC Sport, Munster manager Shaun Payne expressed Quinlan’s feelings following the verdict; "Obviously this was going to be the pinnacle of Quinny's career, he is absolutely distraught and very very disappointed, and I think any person who enjoys rugby will know what that means to him."

Mike Blair was announced on Monday as the replacement for the injured Tómas O’Leary, but as of yet the Lions coaching and management team have yet to name a replacement for Quinlan. We’ll be covering this story as it develops.

O'Driscoll Admits Captaincy Dissapointment

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-13T11:40:26+01:00

Irish captain Brian O’Driscoll has admitted he was disappointed not to retain the Lions captaincy for the 2009 tour following his early departure during the disastrous 2005 Lions tour.

Speaking to the BBC’s Sonja McLaughlan he said “I suppose there was a little bit of disappointment. I felt as though it was coming, that Paulie [Paul O’Connell] was going to be made Captain. Ian McGeechan had made it known that he had a preference for his Captain in the forwards, and once he’d said that I think the writing was on the wall.”

“Even still, I got the phone call from him the Thursday or Friday before the squad announcement. There was still a little bit of disappointment. Until you hear from the man himself I suppose you always harbour hopes. Paul will have my full support and I look forward to being just an important senior player if you like.”

The Irish centre also expressed his support for Alan Quinlan and discussed his hope that a win in South Africa could lay the demons of the last two ‘failed’ tours to rest.

Finally, asked whether he gets swamped when shopping O’Driscoll clarified that he’s a Tesco’s man!!

Quinlan Waits on Fate

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-13T11:26:38+01:00

Alan Quinlan will face a disciplinary panel trio this afternoon to decide his Lions fate following an apparent incident of gouging in Munster’s Heineken Cup semi-final loss to Leinster on 2nd May.

The hearing will be chaired in Dublin and is due to start at 1300 BST. Independent commissioner John Byett chose to cite the incident and as the offense carries a minimum 12 week ban a guilty verdict is near certain to rule Quinlan out of the tour. We will have coverage of the outcome as soon as it is know.

Booth Hails Catt for Lions

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-13T11:02:40+01:00

London Irish Coach Toby Booth has hailed Mike Catt’s outstanding performance against Harlequins in last weekends Guinness Premiership semi-final against Quins and has called for him to be considered as a replacement for Tom Shanklin.

Catt, a Lions tourist in 1997 and 2001 is currently the oldest player in the Premiership but aged 37 he is still showing considerable class and hunger. Against Harlequins on Saturday he scored one of two tries and controlled the game admirably with the boot.

Talking about the veteran player Booth said "Mike Catt was absolutely outstanding. He should be going with the Lions. From what you saw against Harlequins at the weekend, find me someone who's better. I can't speak highly enough of him.”

Despite Booth’s praise and Catt’s obvious class he seems like a strange replacement option for Ian McGeechan. Over the course of a long career, Catt has undoubtedly been a utility back, having played in pretty much every backline position at some point or another, but in recent years he’s spent most of his time at fly-half and inside centre playing a distributing and kicking game more akin to a pivot than a hard-running centre. Catt looked positively exhausted after his late try and was subsequently subbed on 76m and in South Africa the pace of the game is likely to be that much higher.

Ian McGeechan has yet to announce a replacement for Tom Shanklin so it remains to be seen whether Mike Catt has a chance as a third time Lions tourist.

Royal XV Announce Initial Squad

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-12T12:31:46+01:00

The Royal XV (previously known as the Highveld XV) have announced an initial 27 man squad to face the Lions in the tourists opening match on May 30th. The game which will be played at the Bafokeng Stadium in Rustenburg may be against a representative side, but the Lions shouldn’t underestimate the task - the Royal XV is chock full form players.

13 players are drawn from the successful Griquas, buoyant on the back of their recent Vodacom Cup success over the Blue Bulls, with 10 more players from the Leopards and a final 4 from the Puma’s. No players have been selected from the Valke or Griffons.

Names to watch for are Riaan Viljoen of the Griquas, who scored all of his teams 28 points in the Vodacom Cup final as well as form centre Hanno Coetzee. Six members of the squad have played at Super 14 level.

Leopards flanker Wilhelm ‘Palm’ Kock will skipper the side.

Royal XV Initial Squad

Russell Jeacocks (Leopards)
Colin Lloyd (Leopards)
Egon Seconds (Griquas)
Bjorn Basson* (Griquas)
Deon van Rensburg* (Leopards)
Basil de Doncker (Leopards)
Hanno Coetzee* (Griquas)
Riaan Viljoen (Griquas)
Naas Olivier* (Griquas)
Michael Bondesio (Leopards)
Jacques Coetzee (Pumas)
Sarel Pretorius* (Griquas)
Jonathan Makoena (Griquas)
RW Kember (Leopards)
Devon Raubenheimer (Griquas)
Wilhelm Koch (Leopards)
Jaco Bouwer (Pumas)
Ligtoring Landman (Leopards)
Rudi Mathee (Leopards)
Jacques Lombard (Griquas)
Bees Roux* (Griquas)
Rayno Barnes (Griquas)
Hannes Franklin (Pumas)
Pellow van der Westhuizen (Leopards)
Albertus Buckle (Griquas)
Dawie Steyn (Pumas)
Stef Roberts (Griquas)

* Denotes Super 14 experience

Mike Blair Called Up

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-11T13:11:20+01:00

Scottish captain Mike Blair has been selected by the Lions management to replace the injured Tómas O’Leary who fractured his ankle in Munster’s recent game against Llaneli Scarlets.

Commenting on the decision, head coach Ian McGeechan said: "Sport can be very cruel. One minute Tomas was celebrating his well earned call up to the Lions tour to South Africa, the next he is being carried off injured while playing for Munster against Llanelli Scarlets in Cork. Unfortunately the injury was a serious one and it ruled Tomas out of the tour. We wish Tomas all the very best for a quick recovery."

"The selectors and I have had plenty of time to review the situation in terms of a replacement scrum half and were in agreement that Mike Blair should replace Tomas. He was on our reserve list for such an eventuality."

"Mike is an excellent addition to the British & Irish Lions squad. As a national captain he is well respected by his peers and his 58 tests for Scotland mark him as a very capable and experienced scrum half," added McGeechan.

More Lions Injury Worries

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-11T10:27:09+01:00

Following this weekends Magners League and Guinness Premiership action, Lions head coach Ian McGeechan has a few more injury worries to be concerned with. Chief amongst them is Cardiff Blues centre Jamie Roberts who was forced off due to a shoulder injury in a hard-fought win over Munster. The severity of the injury didn’t look drastic - Roberts was still walking - but the concern is that he may have aggravated an earlier injury:

"It's the same shoulder I've had an operation on before so I'm seeing the specialist to make sure everything is Okay. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that it's just a 'stinger' injury but of course it's a concern with the Lions so near. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't worried."

Prior to the same match, Welsh winger Leigh Halfpenny withdrew as a precaution over a tight quad. Blues head coach Dai Young said “It was purely a precautionary measure to pull him out”.

Over the course of a long tour injuries are unavoidable and there are already two replacements that will be required to fill the spots left open by injuries to Tom Shanklin and Tómas O’Leary. Although replacements have not yet been named the Lions coaching staff will be keeping a careful eye on the fitness of players that may be called upon in the event of injury during the tour.

In the Guinness Premiership semi-final between London Irish and Harlequins at The Stoop this Saturday Lion-in-waiting Ugo Monye recovered miraculously from a nasty looking fall after being turned upside down by an oncoming Irish player while rising for a high ball. The winger landed plum on his head and neck from some height and Lions fans sat heart in mouth as medics attended. Back on his feet, the Quin seemed to have suffered no serious long term damage and played out the rest of the game.

London Irish lock Nick Kennedy was not so lucky after going to ground in some considerable pain following a knee-injury. He played on for some minutes before being substituted for James Hudson. Though not in the initial Lions squad, Kennedy is one of a number of possible lock replacements in the event of injury and is known for his speciality at the line-out. The extent of this injury is not yet clear.

Max Evans, a possible outside-bet to replace Tom Shanklin was stretchered off during Glasgow Warriors loss to the Osprey’s this weekend. A spokesman for the club said "It is difficult to say how serious it is at this stage because of the swelling. "He has a surgeon's appointment tomorrow and he will then have a scan on Tuesday."

Montgomery To Coach Kickers

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-11T10:57:47+01:00

Former Springbok full-back Percy Montgomery has been recruited by Springbok head coach Peter De Villers to oversee all aspects of the South African kicking game against the Lions this summer. The Springbok’s most capped player, Montgomery is currently playing with the Stormers but has only made 4 starts this season.

During his glittering international career Montgomery was capped 102 times, scored 893 test points and during the 2007 World Cup he converted 31 of his 33 strikes at goal for a stunning 94% success rate. Though something of a confidence player, both with the boot and in open play, when in the groove, Montgomery is unquestionably one of the great kickers to have played the game.

Lions Vs Royal XV

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-11T10:02:34+01:00

Read contributing editor Matt George’s assessment of the opening tour match against the Royal XV in Rustenberg and the likely composition of the Lions team to face it. No longer labelled the Highveld XV, the Royal XV will comprise players from a number of different unions; Griquas, Leopards, Valke, Griffons, Puma’s and if personnel are lacking, the Blue Bulls also. Either way they’ll be out to try and spoil the party.

Check out his prediction for the opening Lions selection here.

Lions Replacements - New Article

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-08T18:38:48+01:00

With the Lions’ first game against the invitational Highveld XV in Rustenberg less than three weeks away, two Lions originally selected have been ruled out through injury while a third is likely to be banned for apparent gouging. Who are putting up their hands as replacements?

Read our full article here.

Shanklin Out

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-07T19:06:06+01:00

Tom Shanklin has been ruled out of the British & Irish Lions tour following his shoulder injury against Dragons on Wednesday night. The 29yo Cardiff Blues centre has been ruled out for 16 weeks and will require reconstructive surgery to repair the damage.

Blues Chief Exec. Robert Norster expressed the clubs sympathy for Shanklin upon hearing the news. “I’m sure I can speak on behalf of the entire Blues family, indeed the entirety of Wales when I offer our sympathies to Tom following his devastating shoulder injury suffered last night that will prevent him traveling with the Lions to South Africa this summer.”

A replacement is yet to be named, but we’ll be bringing you all the latest news and an article covering the possible replacement options for the two injured players and Alan Quinlan should he be banned for apparent gouging.

Quinlan Hearing Date Set

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-07T17:50:51+01:00

After a considerable wait, Alan Quinlan’s citing hearing has been scheduled. The Munster back-rower will face a citing panel on Wednesday to decide his fate. If he is banned he can expect at least 12 weeks on the sidelines and will miss the Lions tour.

Recent similar incidents involving Neil Best and Dylan Hartley have seen bans of 18 weeks and 6 months handed out respectively.

Young Optimistic for Shanklin

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-07T09:29:40+01:00

Cardiff Blues head coach Dai Young has expressed his optimism regarding the shoulder injury suffered by Tom Shanklin on Wednesday night. Although the suspected shoulder dislocation looked very serious he remains hopeful that the injury doesn’t mean the Cardiff center will be missing the flight to South Africa

“We are all keeping our fingers crossed that the injury is nowhere near as bad as it looks. We’re quite confident that it won’t be a problem and he’ll be on that plane. He has a bit of time. Hopefully a long-term injury does not mar an otherwise outstanding performance by Tom as he was our man-of-the-match by a country mile.”

Shanklin Dislocates Shoulder

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-06T22:41:41+01:00

Tom Shanklin looks set to be the next player to drop out of the Lions touring party due to injury. In tonight’s Magners League game between Cardiff Blues and the Dragons Shanklin suffered a dislocated shoulder after a powerful carry down the right flank.

Although the extent of his injury is as of yet unknown, he looks likely to join a growing contingent of players who, originally selected, will now probably not travel. He joins Munster scrum-half Tómas O’Leary on the injury list while flanker Alan Quinlan waits on a disciplinary hearing for what appeared to be a gouging incident. With two and a half weeks until the opening Lions tour match, Shanklin is unlikely to be fit in time.

Keep an eye out here for an article covering the possible replacements for the injured and potentially disciplined players.

Quinlan Citing To Be Delayed?

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-06T14:17:12+01:00

Alan Quinlan may be set for a wait before finding out whether or not he is to tour with the British and Irish Lions this summer. Following his citing for making contact with Leo Cullen’s eye-area in last weekend’s Heineken Cup semi-final, the Munster back-row is a doubt pending a disciplinary hearing.

It is thought that the hearing may not take place until May 13th as the European Rugby governing body will require some time to organise a panel.

In other news, Leicester and England fly-half Toby flood is out for six months after rupturing his achilles in the nail-biting game against Cardiff on Sunday. He will play no part in England’s summer tours and given the relative fragility of the Lions squad in the fly-half position, any hope of him joining the tour as a late replacement is now dashed.

Steyn Latest Springbok Casualty

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-05T12:21:51+01:00

South Africa’s injury worries continue to grow with news today that Sharks utility back Francois Steyn is out for six to eight weeks with a knee injury. The first test in Durban on the 20th June is now less than 7 weeks away and the player faces a fitness battle to recover in time.

Following Conrad Jantjes leg break this weekend, Steyn was already pencilled in by many to fill the Springboks 15 shirt. 10 days earlier, the Lions are also due to face the Sharks in Durban and at this point it seems highly unlikely that Steyn will be fit for the mid-week clash.

Springbok head coach Peter De Villiers will also have concerns over a number of other players carrying minor injuries. Fourie du Preez has a calf strain, Andries Bekker a rib injury and Adrian Jacobs a shoulder problem.

Quinlan Cited

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-04T22:25:18+01:00

Following Alan Quinlan’s contact with Leo Cullan’s eye-area during Saturday’s Heineken Cup semi-final he is now likely to miss out on his Lions dream. Although he has not yet appeared before a disciplinary panel, if found guilty he can expect a minimum of 12 weeks suspension.

John Byett, the independent citing commissioner decided a citing was in order after the video replay clearly shows Quinlan making contact with the fingers. He will appear before the citing panel ‘as soon as practicable’ and if he is handed a ban, which seems likely at this stage, he will lose his Lions place.

Both his captain and coach stood up for his character following the match against Leinster. "Quinny isn't that type of guy," said Paul O'Connell. "He is a tough player. It is the one thing he hasn't got in his record book. If it looked bad, I am sure there was nothing in it."

What Strategy To Beat The Boks?

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-04T18:05:27+01:00

Read the first article for Pride Of Lions by Contributing Editor Matt George, covering his assessment of how the Lions can beat South Africa and the strategic possibilities Ian McGeechan will have been chewing on for months.

What Strategy To Beat The Boks?

Jantjes Out With Leg Break

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-04T12:19:44+01:00

South Africa have lost another likely test squad member ahead of the Lions tour this summer with the news that full-back Conrad Jantjes is out with a broken leg. The Stormers player was involved in a collision with Liam Messam of the Chiefs in the early stages of Saturday’s Super 14 game.

Jantjes has been a firm favourite with Springbok head coach Peter de Villiers since he took over the reigns prior to last years tri-nations and was a likely if not guaranteed test starter for the boks.

Jantjes becomes the most recent in a string of injury concerns for the Boks management following the loss of Butch James to ligament issues. Centre Jean De Villiers faces a fitness battle over a groin injury in the latest in a string of unfortunately timed injuries while Schalk Burger also limped off last Saturday with a calf strain. He is due for a scan today to assess the extent of the damage.

The Munster Effect

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-03T13:21:18+01:00

Read our latest article on the possible impact of Munster’s loss to Leinster and the effect it may or may not have on the touring party. (Yep... we’re hedging our bets on this one!)

Check it out here - The Munster Effect

Quinlan Waits on Citing

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-05-03T12:51:47+01:00

Munster’s Alan Quinlan, a surprise inclusion in the Lions touring party has a nervous wait on his hands following a possible citing incident in his teams defeat against Leinster this weekend. The back-rower was clearly seen to make contact with Leo Cullen’s right eye and worryingly, based on the TV footage it appeared that he seemed to dig his fingers in.

Gouging is typically dealt with very seriously indeed. Lengthy bans are typically only ever exceeded by drug related offences like those handed out to Matt Stevens and Australian Wendel Sailor. Earlier this season Northampton’s Neil Best was banned for 18-weeks for a similar offence. It goes without saying that if he is cited and found guilty, his touring dreams will be over. If that is the case, Tom Croft is likely to be the first number in Ian McGeechan’s phone.

Croft has already been talked up by the Lions management as a player who was very unlucky not to make the cut, and we’ll be keeping you up to date with developments regarding this story.

Officials For Test Matches Announced

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-28T23:24:28+01:00

The IRB have announced the three referees who will officiate the Lions Test matches this summer. Bryce Lawrence of New Zealand handles the opening test in Durban, Christophe Berdos of France will take charge in Pretoria while Australian Stuart Dickinson officiates the final test in Johannesburg.

IRB ref manager Paddy O’Brien explained the selection process. “We met with the Lions and South Africa team management last month. All were in favour of the appointment of neutral match officials for the Test series.”

All three referees are extremely experienced, Dickinson the most senior with 41 test matches to his name.

Johnson Offers Lions Carrot To Snubbed England Players

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-28T23:12:08+01:00

Martin Johnson has made it clear to his England Squad that not only is the Argentina test series this summer a full international fixture, but that it is the ideal proving ground for those potential Lions who may be called up in the event of injuries to the team in South Africa.

Talking to press, Johnson said: "I texted a few of the guys last week and reminded them that injuries happen on Lions tours. "If there are injuries, the best place they can be is playing tough rugby."

He went on to clarify the importance of the summer series in keeping England’s team momentum rolling.

"This is not a development tour. We are there to win the Test matches. I don't want people to think it doesn't matter because it is a development tour. We will put out our best team available to win that Test match. I get the vibe off some people - not within our party but around - that this is a development tour, it is under the radar. No it is not. It is England versus Argentina. We have won two Test matches on the trot [against France and Scotland in the final two rounds of the Six Nations] and we want to make that three the next time we play.”

McGeechan Ponders O'Leary Replacement

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-27T12:28:08+01:00

Ian McGeechan has said that he will not rush to appoint a replacement for injured scrum-half Tómas O’Leary. “I’m not looking to name a replacement for 10 to 14 days. There’s still some rugby to watch”.

The field is fairly open for the replacement scrum-half berth with players from all four home nations in the fray. Mike Blair, Dwayne Peel and Danny care lead the way, but none of the possible replacements offer the physical presence that the Lions management had previously been looking for.

Chris Cusiter of Scotland and Perpignan and Peter Stringer of Ireland and Munster are also outside bets. Perpignan are currently topping the French Top 14, and with the possibility of Cusiter’s involvement in the final on 6th June, there is the possibility of complications between club and tour. The Lions play their first match against the Highveld XV on 30th May in Rustenberg.

Robinson in Reserve

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-27T10:10:25+01:00

Cardiff Blues stand-off Nicky Robinson has confirmed that Lions coach Rob Howley has let him know that he’s on the Lions standby list. In the event of injury, Robinson will be drafted into the squad.

"It's great to be on that list. I'm just trying to finish off the season well and playing as well as I can."

After a run of excellent form for Cardiff, most notably in their demolition of Gloucester in the EDF cup final, the fly-half is set to make his return to the Welsh number 10 jersey this summer as Wales travel to North America for matches against Canada and the United States.

O'Leary Breaks Ankle

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-24T23:03:16+01:00

Munster’s Tómas O’Leary has likely seen his Lions dreams shattered after a suspected broken ankle just three days after the squad announcement included him as one of three selected scrum-halves. The injury occurred with just 10mins on the clock as O’Leary found himself crushed at the breakdown.

Munster, playing Llanelli Scarlets in their first game since the squad announcement completed the game with Peter Stringer at scrum-half, eventually running out convincing victors. O’Leary’s injury only serves to highlight the considerable potential for injury between now and the departure of the touring squad. With the Magners League, Guinness Premiership and the Heineken Cup all reaching their crescendo’s in the coming weeks, Tómas O’Leary may not be the last player to have the chance snatched by injury.

O’Leary’s Munster counterpart Peter Stringer, England’s Danny Care, Dwayne Peel of Wales and Scottish duo Mike Blair and Chris Cusiter are all possibilities to replace the Irish man if his injury does prove to be as serious as expected.

We wish him all the best with his recovery.

Butch James Out

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-24T13:47:55+01:00

Springbok and Bath fly-half Butch James has been ruled out of the Lions test series due to a tear of his cruciate ligaments. The injury occurred last weekend in Bath’s hard-fought 15-14 win over Newcastle Falcons at Kingston Park.

James’ mediocre recent form made the world cup winning stand-off anything but a test certainty, but his experience will nevertheless be a huge loss for Peter de Villiers and the Springboks.

The South African will also miss the rest of Bath’s domestic season as the battle for a play off place and is due to undergo surgery within the next two weeks. All the best Butch.

De Villiers Surprised at Lions Selections

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-23T22:51:58+01:00

Springboks head coach Peter De Villiers has expressed his surprise at the omission of a number of high profile names from the Lions squad, in particular, the three excluded home nations captains.

Speaking to BBC Radio 5 Live De Villiers said “The one thing that surprised me was that the leaders of three home nations weren't included in the squad. The guys that play under those guys respect them."

Asked about the selection of Paul O’Connell as Lions skipper ahead of Brian O’Driscoll, the Boks coach suggested he wouldn’t have made the same decision. "Brian O'Driscoll was the captain of the last Lions team, even though he got injured, and he was the captain of the most successful Six Nations team this year. That's a second big surprise."

Given the lack of surprise in the home nations regarding the makeup of the tour squad and the obvious two horse race that we’ve seen unfolding for the skipper berth, his surprise is somewhat... surprising. Watch out for a follow up article on the Springbok reaction to the tour announcement.

Squad Analysis & Statistics

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-23T01:25:51+01:00

Read our analysis of the Lions touring party and check out our breakdown of the squad by the numbers over on our features page. We’ve also added the full fixture list and Squad List to the relevant pages. If you have any suggestions or would like to write for the website, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Squad Analysis
Lions By The Numbers

Announcement News Roundup

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-22T09:38:07+01:00

The British & Irish Lions touring party for 2009 was announced yesterday afternoon. The management have selected 37 players, 20 forwards and 17 backs in a squad loaded with bulk and power.

It was mostly as expected with a few surprise selections in the shape of Keith Earls and Ugo Monye and a couple of omissions, most notably Welsh captain Ryan Jones and Leicester and England forward Tom Croft who was widely expected to make the trip on the back of exceptional recent form. A full analysis of the touring party will be available later, but for now, a round-up of some of the news items surrounding the selection.

- Leicester Scrum-Half Harry Ellis, the only player from the English club to make the trip, has backed his team mate Tom Croft to make a quick recovery from the snub. Speaking to press Ellis said: “He’s young and I’m sure he’ll be in contention for the next Lions tours. We’ve got some massive games coming up in the Guinness Premiership play-offs and the semi-final of the Heineken Cup against Cardiff. Tom will have a huge role to play in these games and I know he will give 110% in each of them.”

- South African head coach Peter De Villiers has said he expected Brian O’Driscoll to emerge above Paul O’Connell for the captains armband. “I am surprised that Paul O’Connell got the captaincy ahead of Brian O’Driscoll. O’Driscoll was the most successful captain in the Six Nations and captained the Lions four years ago”.

Going further, the Boks coach added, “Having said that, O’Connell is the captain of Munster and has also captained Ireland at Test level and we will not underestimate his leadership capabilities.”

- Meanwhile, Lions assistant coach Warren Gatland, who heads-up the Welsh coaching team was typically abrupt when asked about the omission of Ryan Jones. “The squad has been picked on form and he is not playing well enough at the moment”.

- Leigh Halfpenny, surprise inclusion into the Lions test squad at just 20 years of age, the tour’s youngest player, has already made his ambition of a test place clear saying “On tour, the one thing you’ll want is to get the Test jersey on.”

- Jim Telfer, ex-Lions coach and veteran of two tours as a player, has condemned the inclusion of the only two Scots in the tour party as a damning inditement of Scottish rugby’s present state.

Squad Announcement

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-21T13:31:17+01:00

British & Irish Lions Squad Announcement Updated Here Live....

Backs

Lee Byrne
Rob Kearney
Shane Williams
Leigh Halfpenny
Ugo Monye
Luke Fitzgerald
Tommy Bowe
Tom Shanklin
Jamie Roberts
Brian O’Driscoll
Keith Earls
Riki Flutey
Ronan O’Gara
Stephen Jones
Mike Phillips
Harry Ellis
Tomas O’Leary

Forwards

Jamie Heaslip
Andy Powell
David Wallace
Stephen Ferris
Alan Quinlan
Joe Worsley
Martyn Williams
Alun Wyn-Jones
Paul O’Connell (c)
Donncha O’Callaghan
Simon Shaw
Nathan Hines
Gethin Jenkins
Adam Jones
Andrew Sheridan
Phil Vickery
Euan Murray
Jerry Flannery
Lee Mears
Matthew Rhys

Welcome to Pride Of Lions.co.uk

tony-hart@ntlworld.com — 2009-04-21T02:35:13+01:00

Hello and welcome to Pride Of Lions.co.uk the unofficial website of The British & Irish Lions. Today is Tuesday 21st April and in a little under 12hrs, Ian McGeechan will announce the 2009 Lions touring party to travel to South Africa. The press are already widely reporting Paul O’Connell as the tour captain and we will have live coverage during the squad announcement at 1.30pm GMT.

Today we are also launching the site, ready for all the news and building excitement. Pride Of Lions will be growing rapidly over the next few weeks, so please check back regularly. Soon you’ll be able to find complete player profiles, venue information, fixture lists, match reports, squash updates and any other news that is note-worthy or of interest.

Pride Of Lions is a supporters site run by a supporter. While we’ll be offering all the same detailed news as other Lions websites and news portals, Pride Of Lions will also feature original editorial and feature articles. If you’re a keen rugby fan with a good knowledge of the game and an interest in journalism, get in touch. We’re actively looking to recruit.