In an emotional roller coaster of a match, the Springboks triumph over the Lions in one or the most tense and exciting games we have ever witnessed. The field, resembling a battle ground with the. wounded lions hanging their heads as Morne' Steyn slotted a superb penalty from 55 meters out to seal the match and series 2-0 for South Africa.
Schalks' fiftieth test match appearance was tarnished in the first 32 seconds of the match as he was sin binned for eye gouging winger Luke Fitzgerald. There was a case for a red card but luckily for the Boks he got away with a 10 minute rest. Don't expect to see him in the third test or in first match of the Tri-Nations. The Lions started the game well with all the work that the put in over the last 6 weeks finally falling into place, leading by 10-0 in the first ten minutes. Their scrummaging had seen a vast improvement, but after 60 minutes the ref had no choice but to turn to uncontested scrums due to lions injuries. Lions showed good cohesion and where hitting the gaps far better than their opponent. The Springboks set piece was heavily dominant, which calls the question to why they favoured the aerial route as a posed to taking the ball into contact. The Boks line outs functioned well, the first of their tries coming off the top from Matfield and with a stroke of genius from du Preez, released J.P Peterson to score. Final score at half time was Lions 16, Springboks 8.
According to Bok captain John Smit, there were some “harsh” words said in the dressing room at half time, this must have sunk in as they came out firing. In contrast to last weeks test (Boks winning 26-21) the home side dominated scoring 17 points to a lions 9. Substitutions hailed for both teams with Lions Jenkins, A.Jones, Roberts and O'Driscoll (all injured) were replaced by Sheridan, O'Gara, Williams and A.W. Jones. The home side lost de Villiers to injury and subbed Botha, Smith and Pienaar (who missed 3 kicks at goal) for Bekker, Rossouw and Fourie. Rossouw was knocked out by a dangerous tackle from O'Driscoll which took them both out of the game. Then came on Brussow who matched his good work last week with great work in the rucks setting up the Springboks for the win. The last twenty minutes was too much for any Bok or Lions supporter to handle. Habana crossed the line with an incredible individual try leaving 4 defenders out to dry. This got the Boks going, but then Bekker gave away a penalty in front of the posts to allow S. Jones to extend the their lead to 22-18. Then Fourie crossed the line after a great set piece move from the Springboks to put them in the lead for the first time in the game (25-22).
Just as you thought this game could not get any better, Jones landed a penalty kick to tie the game 25-25. The rugby gods could not except a draw and the bookies where saved when, in the 79th minute Ronan O'Gara, in a moment of madness tackled du Preez in the air. This set up the rookie and home boy Morne' Steyn to cement his place in rugby history by kicking a 54 meter penalty to win the match and series. What a boitjie.In his interview after the game Springbok Captain John Smit said: “we just keep finding wins in some dark corners” then the interview asked if it was because of “good leadership” to which John respond without hesitance; “no, good players”. This Boks side have now won every available tournament to them under captain Smit, this surely making him the best Springboks captain in history, if not the best captain in the history of rugby.
To all the Springbok players, savour this moment, you have made history. To all the Springbok supporters, breathe out and sip your beer, you have been a part of the greatest side our country has ever witnessed.
Much Lovies
MM and sgr
xoxox
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