AFP/Gianluigi Guerciaview photoLONDON (AFP) - The British press hailed a "brave" performance by the Lions who were beaten by South Africa with a last-gasp penalty which won an enthralling second Test and the series.
The Observer said the Lions could hold their heads high after the enthralling 28-25 defeat in Pretoria on Saturday, concluding they "might have lost another series, but they have salvaged their battered reputation on this tour".
AFP/Gianluigi Guerciaview photo"The Lions will not return home with a stained character - unlike in 2001 and 2005," the paper said.
Lions substitute Ronan O'Gara stumbled into Springbok scrum-half Fourie du Perez in mid-air in the closing seconds of the match. Morne Steyn stepped up to convert the penalty kick and seal a dramatic victory.
Former Wales captain Eddie Butler, writing in The Observer, said: "A match of the highest intensity and tightest drama was decided by a split-second of recklessness by Ronan O'Gara. Contact is not his thing."
The Sunday Telegraph asked: "Has there ever been a game like it? This was one of the great matches of all time, a drama which defined how good Test rugby can be."
The paper's analyst Ieuan Evans, another former Welsh international, said the Lions were unlucky to suffer so many injuries which eventually undermined their potency in a gruelling encounter.
"If the sight of Gethin Jenkins and Adam Jones departing at the same time was not enough for supporters then the situation became grave when both centres, Jamie Roberts and Brian O'Driscoll, departed later in the second half," he wrote.
But, he said, the difference between winning and losing was South Africa's "try-scoring ability".
"They gained three good chances and took the lot," he wrote.
The Mail on Sunday questioned why "an act of craziness" by Springbok flanker Schalk Burger in the opening minutes had gone largely unpunished.
Burger had been "lucky not to have been sent off" for making contact with the eyes of Luke Fitzgerald, it said, and his dismissal could have influenced the outcome of the match.
Comment 1 - 5 of 5
sour losers
I agree wholeheartedly with James Barnes and Lencohen1. The game was awesome and some of the best Rugby I have watched in a long time. Roll on next Saturday but it is a shame it is not the deciding match. Almost, but not quite. Well done to both sides yesterday for such brilliant entertainment, I am sure all the players involved will be proud to have taken part in that game.
I think it's been a magic tour and what the Lions is supposed to be; a sratch side showcasing open play for the joy of rugby. BOD has been the man of the tour for me, his ability to find a gap where there just isn't one and slot one of his backs into it has been nothing short of awesome. As for the rough and tumble, The Boks are a severely physical team and you need to play to that, I think Bakkies Botha and a couple of others have gone too far, but none have gone as far as the 2 kiwis did with BOD in '05. Then again Sheridan's punch in the B*llocks was a little obvious O.o.
Roll on the last test. I'm really dissapointed that it isn't going to be a decider, this tour deserves to end on a high for all, rather than a whitewash chance for the Boks and a face saving opportunity for the Lions.
I agree with lencohent in the most,but you can not allow very dangerous play to go unpunished ,just to save a match for the spectators etc.Otherwise lets bring in stamping,along with gouging to the laws!! Well done the boks,however reading many comments from S.Africans very very few respect the Lions.
I now believe its time for the Lions to disband,its a professional game 12 weeks together against years, its a scratch side. Bring on Spain , Germany, etc then they might win!! Shame but true
I am a huge Bok supporter and think the Lions have been awesome. There is significant talent on the team at all positions and the result of both Tests could have been different. My only criticism is the perpetuation of the idea of "whinging". A victory with 14 men on the Pitch for 80 minutes would have been hollow indeed. The slow mo I saw certainly didnt warrant a sending off and spending the first 10 minutes with 14 men was penalty enough. At the end of the day the ref listened to the touch judge and both officials were neutral professionals and made a decision. I dont think O Gara was reckless, just unlucky. He was no less lucky than Bekker who was pinged for an innocuous neck tackle which squared the game. In the end I think it was one of the great Tests of all time and I think the Lions have earned the immense respect of all Bok fans. Be prepared for a hiding on Saturday... Len
Please login to post a comment
Not already a Yahoo! user ? Sign up to get a free Yahoo! Account