Lions must have future

[jargan83]

Springboks captain John Smit says British Lions fixture must be retained

From correspondents in Johannesburg, South Africa

July 05, 2009

The British and Irish Lions' next stop will be Australia in 2013, and Springboks captain John Smit is adamant the tradition has a place in the professional era.

World champions South Africa had sewn up the three-match series by winning the first two Tests, albeit with just eight points separating the two teams, but the Lions hit back to claim the third Test 28-9 and avoid the ignominy of a first-ever whitewash to the Springboks.

Importantly, it was also the Lions' first Test triumph since Brisbane in 2001, having suffered a 3-0 drubbing in New Zealand four years ago.

Rugby union as a sport has changed massively since going professional in 1996, and the future of the Lions has constantly been raised given the demands of carrying out such tours.

Bringing together, injury permitting, the cream of the four nations of England, Ireland, Scotland and Wales, and taking in a 10-match off-season tour is a big ask in anyone's books, but Smit was adamant that the Lions should remain a feature on the sport's landscape.

"Without a doubt,'' Smit said when asked whether the Lions were still relevant.

"It was an amazing experience from start to finish, from the day they arrived.

"It is still one of the most prized things that rugby has to offer.

"The Lions supporters are just amazing and appreciative of both teams running around,'' he said of the estimated 30,000 British and Irish fans who travelled to South Africa and gave a massive boost to the local economy.

"A series like this is based around the toughness of the games, the competitiveness of the series, how close it was at the end of the day.

"If anything should be kept, the Lions should be kept.''

http://www.foxsports.com.au/story/0,...018977,00.html

[Happy]

never watched the third game - was is a full strength S.A. side ?

[welshrugbyfan]

Nah some dirty flanker and a second rower were missing.

[jargan83]

never watched the third game - was is a full strength S.A. side ?

I taped the game but haven't watched it yet, apparently 10 changes were made to the Proteas side

[welshrugbyfan]

Twas a good game, the Lions showed some real heart. They made plenty of changes as well.

The only change the Boks need is their coach, his after match speech was up to par as normal. He is an idiot.

[jargan83]

Was he wearing a tutu?

[James]

How good is it going to be when the Lions play the Force. Awesome.

[welshrugbyfan]

Was he wearing a tutu?

I've been patient with him but seriously you have to judge his mentallity, or lack of it.

[Burgs]

And if Dingo Bob is still in charge of the Wallabies I doubt he will be resting the Squad James

I missed the interview this time WRF, any quotable quotes?

[welshrugbyfan]

And if Dingo Bob is still in charge of the Wallabies I doubt he will be resting the Squad James

I missed the interview this time WRF, any quotable quotes?

Just the usual dribble, something about the Lions only won because the bounce of the ball went their way.

[Thequeerone]

Which collapsed scrum was he talking about WRF - Lions did better once they got a Scot in the middle of the scrum

PS am I the only one who thinks he is talking about a Bishop - I know he's a bit kinky but that's just an alarming image