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Game 10 Match Report - South Africa vs. Lions (3rd Test)

29th June 2009

The Lions ended the series with an emphatic win over their South African counterparts. A truly awesome team spirt saw the Lions score 3 tries without reply as the dominated every facet of a tough game.

Two first-half tries from Welsh wing wizard Shane Williams help the Lions on their way and an 80 metre interception try from Ugo Monye competed the rout as they destroyed the Boks 28-9 in their own back yard. Read the full match report here.

Third Test Squad Announced

25th June 2009

Injuries have forced the Lions to make a number of changes for the final test against the Springboks in Johannesburg.

With the Lions losing both props and both centres last time out, there has been a major reshuffle in the backline. Riki Flutey makes his test debut in the centre with Tommy Bowe moving in from the wing. This gives England winger Monye another bite at the cherry. Other changes see Vickery and Sheridan move into the front row.

Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland), Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), Riki Flutey (Wasps/England), Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales), Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Joe Worsley (Wasps/England), Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) (c), Simon Shaw (Wasps/England), Phil Vickery (Wasps/England), Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales), Andrew Sheridan (Sale/England)

Replacements: Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), John Hayes (Munster/Ireland), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), David Wallace (Munster/Ireland) Tom Croft (Leicester/England), Harry Ellis (Leicester/England), James Hook (Ospreys/Wales)

Game 9 Match Report - South Africa vs. Lions (2nd Test)

29th June 2009

The Lions were pipped at the post in one of the most exciting test matches of all time.

A wonderful first half performance from the Lions saw them take a 16-8 lead at half time. However they were hit by some serious injuries after the break and this allowed the Springboks back into the game. The World Champions scored two second half tries and a last gasp penalty to seal a series win. Read the full match report here.

Second Test Squad Announced

25th June 2009

With the Lions looking to regain a foothold on the series Ian McGeechan has named his squad for the do or die Second Test against South Africa in Pretoria this saturday.

The Lions will again be led into battle by captain Paul O'Connell. 5 changes have been made from the first test squad, with Shaw, Jones, Rees Fitzgerald, Kearney getting their chance.

Three starters Ugo Monye, Lee Mears and Phil Vickery have missed out on the squad altogether. Poor performances from the front row in the first have given Ford and Sheridan places on the bench and poor finishing from Ugo Monye has opened up a bench spot for Wing Wizard Shane Williams.

Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland), Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland), David Wallace (Munster/Ireland), Tom Croft (Leicester/England), Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) (c), Simon Shaw (Wasps/England), Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales).

Replacements: Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), Andrew Sheridan (Sale/England), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Harry Ellis (Leicester/England), Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland), Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)

Game 8 Match Report - Emerging Springboks vs. Lions

24th June 2009

The Lions failed to dominate a close encounter with the most exciting young talent in South Africa and were made to rue missed opportunities as they drew 13-13.

A first half try from Keith Earls and penaltys from O'Gara and Hook looked to have secured a narrow victory for the tourists, but a late try from winger Demas and a truly outstanding touchline conversion from Willem de Waal brought the Young Boks level in the last play of the game. Read the full match report here.

O'Gara to lead the Lions against the Young Boks

22nd June 2009

After a first test defeat to South Africa the Lions are looking to regroup and up confidence levels against the Emerging Springboks tomorrow.

The Lions will be led by Ireland and Munster fly-half Ronan O'Gara. With newly called up props John Hayes and Tim Payne making their first starts of the tour.

Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland), Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales), Riki Flutey (London Wasps/England), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster/Ireland), Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland), Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland) (c), Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Joe Worsley (London Wasps/England), Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland), John Hayes (Munster/Ireland), Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), Tim Payne (London Wasps/England).

Replacements: Lee Mears (Bath/England), Phil Vickery (Wasps/England), Simon Shaw (Wasps/England), David Wallace (Munster/Ireland), Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland), James Hook (Ospreys/Wales), Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)

Game 7 Match Report - South Africa vs. Lions (1st Test)

22nd June 2009

It was a case of too little too late for the Lions in the 1st Test at the ASBA Stadium on Saturday. The Lions clawed their way back from a 19-7 half time deficit to fall just short of claiming victory and the game finishing 26-21 to the Springboks.

Tries from Smit and Brussow and the majectic kicking of both Pienaar and Steyn were enough to claim victory in the First Test. Despite a late comback from the Lions in which they scored two last gasp tries. Read the full match report here.

First Test Squad Announced

17th June 2009

What all Lions fans have been waiting for. Ian McGeechan has announced his squad for the First Test against South Africa in Durban this saturday.

They are led by tour captain Paul O'Connell, with 9 welshmen, 8 irishmen, 5 englishmen and no scotsmen making the 22 man squad. The noticeable omission of Wales winger Shane Williams will surely raise a few eyebrows.

Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England), Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland), David Wallace (Munster/Ireland), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England), Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) (c), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England), Lee Mears (Bath/England), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales).

Replacements: Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales), Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England), Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland), Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland)

James hook and Euan Murray injured, ruled out of first test

17th June 2009

James Hook and Euan Murray have both been ruled out of the Lions first test against South Africa on Saturday. Assistant coach Rob Howley confirmed that neither player would be considered in the selection plans for the first test, following injuries in the clash with Southern Kings yesterday.

Fly-half Hook took a high tackle at the 13 minute mark of yesterdays match, leaving him nursing injury to his neck and head. An impressive tour so far had seen Hook a likely selection for the first test.

Howley confirmed, "James had a blow to his head and neck and he will have on-going medical assessment over the next 24 hours. Today is quite an important day for James with regard to the rest of his tour".

Murray limped off field after just 7 minutes of play with a sprained ankle. Subsequent X-rays have revealed no fracture but the sprain has ruled him out the first test.

Game 6 Match Report - Lions vs. Southern Kings

17th June 2009

The Lions battled through a hard fought 80 minutes to take victory over the Southern Kings 20 points to 8. The win sees the Tourists maintain their unbeaten run of 6 wins, but injuries for James hook and Euan Murray cast a shadow over their 1st test spot.

Murray limped off after just 7 minutes with a strained right ankle, Hook took a heavy knock at the 13 minute mark. Read the full match report here.

O'Callaghan to lead out Lions against the Southern Kings

16th June 2009

Irish Lock Donncha O'Callaghan will lead out the British and Irish Lions in their last warm up game against the Southern Kings this afternoon. After a narrow victory against Currie Cup side Western Province the Lions will want to push on and keep their 100% record alive.

Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland), Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales), Riki Flutey (Wasps/England), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster/Ireland), Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland), James Hook (Ospreys/Wales), Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Joe Worsley (Wasps/England), Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland) (c), Simon Shaw (Wasps/England), Euan Murray (Northampton/Scotland), Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), Andrew Sheridan (Sale/England)

Replacements:
Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales), Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Tom Croft (Leicester /England), David Wallace (Munster/Ireland), Harry Ellis (Leicester /England), Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland), Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England)

Game 5 Match Report Added - Lions vs. Western Province

15th June 2009

After a convincing win over Super 14 side the Sharks, the British and Irish Lions failed to close out a game they could have won fairly easily. However a dogged perfomance from Currie Cup outfit Western Provice left it up to James Hook to seal victory with a late penalty.

The Lions out scored their hosts by three tries to one, but the boot of fly-half Willem de Waal and a late try from full-back Pietersen put the Lions under real pressure. Read the full match report here.

Vickery named captain to take on Western Province

12th June 2009

With spirits high the British and Irish Lions travel to Cape Town to face the Western Province. With no Paul O'Connell or Brian O'Driscoll in the squad the captains armband has been gifted to veteran Wasps and England prop Phil Vickery.

Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), Keith Earls (Munster/Ireland), Riki Flutey (Wasps/England), Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England), Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), Harry Ellis (Leicester/England), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Martyn Williams (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Joe Worsley (Wasps/England), Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland), Donncha O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland), Phil Vickery (Wasps/England) (c), Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales), Andrew Sheridan (Sale/England)

Replacements:
Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), Euan Murray (Northampton/Scotland), Simon Shaw (Wasps/England), Tom Croft (Leicester/England), Mike Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland), James Hook (Ospreys/Wales), Gordon D'Arcy (Leinster/Ireland)

Game 4 Match Report Added - Lions vs. Sharks

10th June 2009

After being humbled somewhat by the Cheetahs the British and Irish Lions stepped up a gear to hammer Super 14 side the Sharks 39-3.

Five tries came from Mears, Byrne, Fitgerald, Phillips and Heaslip. With the boot of O'Gara further compounding the hosts misery. Read the full match report here.

Halfpenny's tour over

10th June 2009

Leigh Halfpenny's British and Irish Lions Test match hopes have come to an end. The Cardiff Blues winger suffered a recurrence of the thigh injury that forced him to join the tour late.

He was due to feature on the bench for todays game against the Sharks after making his Lions debut against the Cheetahs last weekend. His spot on the bench will be taken by top points scorer of the tour James Hook.

Welsh Captain Jones to replace injured Ferris

10th June 2009

Wales captain Ryan Jones has been called up to the British and Irish Lions squad to replace the injured Stephen Ferris.

Ferris has been in fine form so far scoring 2 tries in the last 2 games. He injured his knee in training yesterday where scans revealed he had torn his medial ligament.

This has given Jones a chance to add to his Lions appearances in 2005 where he was also called p as a replacement.

Squad announced to face Sharks in Durban

8th June 2009

The Lions will be looking to secure a more convincing win against their third and final Super 14 opposition. This will possibly prove to be the toughest of the 3 teams from the Southern Hemisphere's Elite League.

The squad includes five players who will be starting their third game, they are captain Paul O'Connell, Lee Byrne, David Wallace, Jamie Roberts and Shane Williams, who has featured in every match of the tour so far.

Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Lee Mears (Bath/England) , Adam Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Paul O'Connell (Munster/Ireland) (c), Tom Croft (Leicester/England), David Wallace (Munster/Ireland), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland), Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales), Ronan O'Gara (Munster/Ireland), Luke Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland), Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales), Lee Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)

Replacements:
Matthew Rees (Scarlets/Wales), Phil Vickery (Wasps/England), Simon Shaw (Wasps/England), Joe Worsley (Wasps/England), Mike Blair Edinburgh/Scotland), Riki Flutey (Wasps/England), Leigh Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

Game 3 Match Report Added - Lions vs. Cheetahs

7th June 2009

Another tough test for the Lions as they just held on to win against the gutsy Cheetahs, who missed a last gasp drop goal which would have gave them victory.

The British and Irish Lions remain unbeaten after winning 26 - 24 with tries from Irelands Stephen Ferris and young Keith Earls. Read the full match report here.

Lions Squad announced to play Cheetahs

5th June 2009

The Lions will be looking for another polished performance as they take on the Cheetahs in Bloemfontein this weekend.

McGeechan has again named a experimental squad, looking at how players link and perform together.

Sheridan (Sale/England), Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), Murray (Northampton/Scotland), O'Callaghan (Munster/Ireland), O'Connell (c) (Munster/Ireland), Ferris (Ulster/Ireland),Worsley (Wasps/England), Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Ellis (Leicester/England), Hook (Ospreys/Wales), Williams (Ospreys/Wales), Fitzgerald (Leinster/Ireland), Halfpenny (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Byrne (Ospreys/Wales)

Subs: Rees (Scarlets/Wales), A.Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Shaw (Wasps/England), Hines (Wasps/England), Blair (Edinburgh/Scotland), O'Gara (Munster/Ireland), D'Arcy (Leinster/Ireland)

Game 2 Match Report Added - Lions vs. Golden Lions

4th June 2009

A more convincing display from the British & Irish Lions saw them batter Super 14 side the Golden Lions 74 - 10.

They scored a total of 10 tries including braces for Monye, Bowe and Roberts. The remaining tries came from O'Driscoll, Ferris, Croft and Hook. Along with the majestic boot of Stephen Jones, the Lions sent the Golden Lions packing. Read the full match report here.

Squad announced to face Golden Lions at the Coca-Cola Park

2nd June 2009

After starting their South African tour with a hard fought win against the Royal XV, the Lions squad has been announced to face their next opponents, the Xerox Golden Lions, at the Coca-Cola Park in Johannesburg.

The Golden Lions should be a much tougher prospect; an experienced Super 14 squad with several Internationals lining up in the starting XV, including Andre Pretorious and Lawrence Sephaka.

Brian O’Driscoll captains the Lions for the fifth time following four skipper spots in the 2005 tour. He’ll be looking to continue the momentum of an incredible season that has seen him take the Grand Slam with Ireland and the Heineken Cup with Leinster. O’Driscoll takes over as captain from Paul O’connell who led the Lions to the first 2009 tour victory against Royal XV at the weekend.

Head coach Ian McGeechan has made 12 changes to the starting line up since the weekend with only David Wallace, Tommy Bowe and Jamie Roberts retaining their places. 4 players are lined up to wear the Lions colours for the first time: Nathan Hines, Tom Croft, Ugo Monye and Rob Kearney all make their Lions debut in this starting line up.

Starting XV
Rob Kearney (Leinster/Ireland), Tommy Bowe (Ospreys/Ireland), Brian O'Driscoll (Leinster/Ireland), Jamie Roberts (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Ugo Monye (Harlequins/England), Stephen Jones (Scarlets/Wales), Mike Phillips (Ospreys/Wales), Jamie Heaslip (Leinster/Ireland), David Wallace (Munster/Ireland), Tom Croft (Leicester Tigers/England), Alun-Wyn Jones (Ospreys/Wales), Nathan Hines (Perpignan/Scotland), Phil Vickery (London Wasps/England), Lee Mears (Bath/England), Gethin Jenkins (Cardiff Blues/Wales)

Replacements:
Ross Ford (Edinburgh/Scotland), Euan Murray (Northampton Saints/Scotland), Stephen Ferris (Ulster/Ireland), Andy Powell (Cardiff Blues/Wales), Harry Ellis (Leicester Tigers/England), James Hook (Ospreys/Wales), Shane Williams (Ospreys/Wales)

Game 1 Match Report Added - Lions vs. Royal XV

1st June 2009

A shaky start for the British & Irish Lions saw a close game go down to the wire in the first match of the Lions Tour.

The visitors gave an unconvincing display to win the match 25 to 37 points, with tries from Bowe, Byrne, Jones and O'Gara. Read the full match report here.

Hook & Ford called up as replacements

26th May 2009

Scotland and Edinburgh Hooker Ross Ford has been called into the British and Irish Lions Squad to replace injured Irishman Jerry Flannery. Welsh fly-half James Hook has also been gifted with a late call-up to replace Leigh Halfpenny who will miss the early stages of the tour.

The Wales and Cardiff Blues youngster will remain in Cardiff to receive treatment for a thigh strain he suffered during a warm up session. This gives the versatile Hook a chance to play his way into a test spot. No doubt his ability to play at fly-half or centre and his great kicking prowess will hopefully aid his push.

Meanwhile Ross Ford has been called up as a full-time replacement for injured Flannery as he suffered damaged ligaments in a training session earlier last week. He will now contest England's Lee Mears and Welsh hooker Matthew Rees for a much sought after test berth.