Lions thump Springboks 28-9 to avoid series whitewash

[Timbo]

Lions thump Springboks 28-9 to avoid series whitewash
Sat Jul 4, 2009 3:01pm GMT


JOHANNESBURG (Reuters) - The British and Irish Lions avoided a second successive series whitewash when they produced a spirited display of attacking rugby to beat South Africa 28-9 in the third and final test at Ellis Park on Saturday.

South Africa, having secured the series by winning the first two tests, made 10 changes for the third and paid the price as the Lions looked far more organised and deservedly led 15-6 at halftime with two tries for winger Shane Williams.

Unlike last week, when the world champions fought back from an 11-point deficit in the latter stages, the Lions maintained the pressure and an interception try by Ugo Monye eased the nerves.

Further penalties from Stephen Jones enabled them to match their 1974 counterparts' record score and winning margin against South Africa, with three Morne Steyn penalties all the Springboks could manage in reply.

[Burgs]

An entertaining first half but won for the Lions on a fantastic defensive display.
Unfortunately, as with the ABs loss, there is considerable time to regroup from some glarring inadequacies before we can exploit them.
Very disappointed to miss the latest edition of the PDV idiot session.

[JediKnight]

And what about the absolute disgrace of the Springboks wearing white armbands as a protest for Bakkies' suspension....? Talk about a lack of respect for the game.

[zimeric]

there were some terrible attitudes on the field by the Boks and the lions explointed that with aplomb. The boks lost all composure after Williams Second try which i might add was the best one ive seen in a while. they had no chance after that their heads dropped and they lost the mongrel at the breakdown...

Franz Steyn -63m drop goal attempt???? WTF was that 60 mins into the game and 12 points down?? and of course his dummy spit when a lions player tried to slow down a 22 dropout -sore loser much?

[Burgs]

I think it was fine Jedi, they asked for justice and they got served it, three tries to nil.

Agreed, if that is why they wore them, then it's pretty childish.
No surprise it was allowed with a child in charge though.

[mudskipper]

And what about the absolute disgrace of the Springboks wearing white armbands as a protest for Bakkies' suspension....? Talk about a lack of respect for the game.

The Boks just don't get it... Absolute thuggery.... Bakkies is a disgrace as a player... Nice win for the Lions...

[welshrugbyfan]

Makes O'Garas toilet tackle and penalty for tackling the player in the air worse now.

We could have won the series.

The debarbcle of the front row in the start of the first test is also to blame.

Although the record books will just show a 2-1 defeat.