Lions Deliver 10 Try Rout at Ellis Park

03/06/09 20:07 Filed in: Results
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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
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