The British and Irish Lions ended their tour of South Africa with a 28-9 victory over the Springboks in the third Test.
They might have already lost the series before another seismic encounter unfolded at Ellis Park, but the Lions delivered a devastating, record-equalling display.
Shane Williams' two tries and a second-half interception score by his fellow wing Ugo Monye - plus 13 points from fly-half Stephen Jones - sent South Africa crashing to a rare defeat on the ground where they won the 1995 World Cup. Morne Steyn kicked three penalties for the hosts.
The Lions ended a run of seven successive Test losses - they had not triumphed since beating 2001 hosts Australia in Brisbane - and also avoided a first series whitewash at South Africa's hands.
France were the last team to beat South Africa in Johannesburg, toppling them 32-23 eight years ago, but the Lions have now joined that exclusive club.
Despite showing seven changes following the series-losing defeat in Pretoria last weekend - and without injured talismen like Brian O'Driscoll and Jamie Roberts - they responded magnificently.
And the result saw them match the record 28-9 Lions success of Willie John McBride's all-conquering 1974 tourists in Pretoria.
The Lions had heroes everywhere, no-one more so than number eight Jamie Heaslip, who provided a towering presence in all areas, while centre Riki Flutey, flanker Martyn Williams and scrum-half Mike Phillips were not far behind.
It was a dream way to end probably the most satisfying Lions tour since they last visited South Africa in 1997.
Comment 1 - 5 of 5
Revan634. You clearly don't play the game or understand it very well if you are laying the blame on Vickery. The beast burrowed illegally which Vickery was penalised for by a terrible ref. If you saw yesterday he tried to do the same thing but the ref was having none of it. Hence Vickery could play a normal game without collapsing. By the time the welsh boys came on the beast was exhausted and didn't compete anymore.
The welsh boys did indeed do well but they were not the best. Kearney gets man of the tour surely? Mike Phillips close second on tour. Shane williams had a shocker and only finished Fluteys inspirational pass. He made few breaks but followed up well. Welsh front row were good as long as they lasted but they couldn't compete with the hard line (and illegal) tactics of the Bokke pack.
O'gara should have never been on the pitch. Too light and can't tackle. But you still can't blame him for the loss. Its a team sport. They win as a team and lose as a team. If they don't play as a team you end up playing like the SAs did yesterday. @#$%!
Revan634. You clearly don't play the game or understand it very well if you are laying the blame on Vickery. The beast burrowed illegally which Vickery was penalised for by a terrible ref. If you saw yesterday he tried to do the same thing but the ref was having none of it. Hence Vickery could play a normal game without collapsing. By the time the welsh boys came on the beast was exhausted and didn't compete anymore.
The welsh boys did indeed do well but they were not the best. Kearney gets man of the tour surely? Mike Phillips close second on tour. Shane williams had a shocker and only finished Fluteys inspirational pass. He made few breaks but followed up well. Welsh front row were good as long as they lasted but they couldn't compete with the hard line (and illegal) tactics of the Bokke pack.
O'gara should have never been on the pitch. Too light and can't tackle. But you still can't blame him for the loss. Its a team sport. They win as a team and lose as a team. If they don't play as a team you end up playing like the SAs did yesterday. @#$%!
the first 2 tests were lost thanks to vickery (english) and then o'gara (irish) as for the scots there were none!! lol robert.
Well done the lions... Funny how it was down to the "Welsh Boys" I suppose it must have been due to the "welsh Boys" that the first two test were lost!!!! On the Revans Welsh theory. I think they all played a part... Mind you expect that type of comment from someone.
well done the welsh boys, done us proud, although vickery done well, vast improvement it shoes how good adam jones really is, looks good for wales in the coming years!!
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