Rugby videos of tackles, tries, funny incidents and more: The British & Irish Lions

Friday, July 03, 2009

The British & Irish Lions

On Saturday we witnessed one of the greatest games ever to be played in Lions rugby history. It was an epic Test match that had drama from start to finish. The series is decided as a contest, but the British & Irish Lions live on, and still have plenty to prove as they must live up to those who fought before them.

We were hoping to post this brilliant video when the series was nicely poised at 1-1, adding to the excitement and build up towards the deciding Test at Ellis Park.

Instead, we're going to see if the Lions can redeem themselves by coming back and proving that they're worthy of wearing the famous red jerseys, and can indeed beat the World Champions in their own backyard.

The concept of the British & Irish Lions is steeped in history and tradition as legends of the game have represented four nations to join as one, and take on the the best from the south, every four years.

The task itself is of epic proportions, but to be chosen as a Lion remains the ultimate honour for any player from England, Ireland, Scotland or Wales.

This awesome video gives you a great feel for what the Lions is all about as we relive some of the greatest moments from past tours, as well as hear words from legends who've proudly been associated with the Lions.

In terms of a tour result, going down 2-1 certainly looks better than 3-0. Will the Lions be able to pick themselves up for this dead rubber on Saturday, gaining further respect and admiration by doing so? There's a few new faces on both sides, all of which have plenty to prove. We should be in for another classic encounter.

Time: 06:06

Springbok team:
Zane Kirchner, Odwa Ndungane, Jaque Fourie, Wynand Olivier, Jongi Nokwe, Morne Steyn, Fourie du Preez, Ryan Kankowski, Juan Smith, Heinrich Brussow, Victor Matfield, Johann Muller, John Smit, Chilliboy Ralepelle, Tendai Mtawarira
Replacements: Bismarck du Plessis, Gurthro Steenkamp, Deon Carstens, Steven Sykes, Pierre Spies, Ruan Pienaar, Francois Steyn

British & Irish Lions team:
Rob Kearney, Ugo Monye, Tommy Bowe, Riki Flutey, Shane Williams, Stephen Jones, Mike Phillips, Jamie Heaslip, Martyn Williams, Joe Worsley, Paul O'Connell, Simon Shaw, Phil Vickery, Matthew Rees, Andrew Sheridan
Replacements: Ross Ford, John Hayes, Alun Wyn Jones, David Wallace, Tom Croft, Harry Ellis, James Hook

I think they should have shown this clip to the lions during half time. They might have started the 2nd half with more passion, as I think that's where they lost it.

By Herbie, at July 03, 2009 1:44 pm
Amazing video, sums up what the Lions are about.

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 1:47 pm
With a completely revamped SA team, who knows how things might turn out.

But I'm hoping that it'll resemble at least something like the game that was played last week.

Any test rugby is good rugby :P

By Phil, at July 03, 2009 1:47 pm
ha ha ha ha ha ah a - 3 series in a row - Australia, NZ , South Africa !!

By jamestheconvict, at July 03, 2009 1:58 pm
watching this "hollywood-feeling" video, i can understand the british and irish passion for the lions.

But all these glorious feelings would be better understand if they were followed by success, and lions have lost their 3 last tours.

Herbie, i agree, as barça staff did, before the champions league final

By Flooz, at July 03, 2009 2:22 pm
i should be more articulate

Flooz just explained himself - thought the vid was a bit gay

By jamestheconvict, at July 03, 2009 2:30 pm
James, as always, a mature and considered response underlining exactly why you have so many admirers on this site. You, sir, are a true titan of the game and I await your inevitable call up to international commentary.

By Ted, at July 03, 2009 2:32 pm
thanks Ted - i dont think it will be long now

but seriously - is it worth the Lions touring again ?

I suppose they could tour North America or Japan ?

By jamestheconvict, at July 03, 2009 2:36 pm
What a stupid video,... Whatching this you would be inclined to think the lions are supermen or something and that they just rampage over everyone they play.... meanwhile the truth is they have been thumped a lot , All Blacks , dan carter 2005 comes to mind.

And its 4 nations together and south africa has just beaten them and they dont even have a coach HAHAHAHA... Its like a supercar advert for a nissan micra.

Jason Robinson is my Hero

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 2:46 pm
What age are you James??

By Kenny, at July 03, 2009 2:55 pm
And what is the meaning behind your name jamestheconvict???

By Kenny, at July 03, 2009 2:55 pm
old enough to remember Kenny.

i cant imagine why you ask ?

It was just a gay vid mate - McGeechan has never lived up to his hype as a world class coach - despite making numerous of these lame vids

By jamestheconvict, at July 03, 2009 3:04 pm
the point of the video is to show what the lions are about and how they keep their spirit up no matter how many times they lose. i mean isn't that what rugby really is about? team spirit and commitment. where's the spirit? why so biased?

southern hemisphere teams such as nz australia and sa are obviously good but there's no need to insult the lions because of that. these latest two tests against sa were clearly even but unfortunately the lions pulled the shorter straw. were they humiliated? i think not. just very unfortunate.

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 3:11 pm
shame we have lost 8 in a row ....seems like the history is being devalued a bit.......

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 3:49 pm
Cant wait to stuff the Boks (again) in Ireland at Croke Park!!!!

By ConnachtFan, at July 03, 2009 3:54 pm
I'm a B&I supporter but I think all this epic, Hollywood movie stuff is a load of shite. I mean from watching these sort of videos I expected so much, and then they just play in half-empty stadiums, half the lions are crap players, and it just didn't even nearly live up to the hype.

By Kearney for tests, at July 03, 2009 4:23 pm
james is right embarrassing set of results, lions suck but u have to say its entertaining stuff.

Boks looked good and im glad we have pushed them all the way.

The suspensions prove that.

I hate to say it but well get you next time.... next time lol

By Kenny, at July 03, 2009 4:23 pm
3rd test is gonna be Shanes game.
You heard it here 1st.

By ShanesGame, at July 03, 2009 4:59 pm
There's no pleasing some of you lot.

This vid had NOTHING to do with the 2009 Lions. And, it featured some of the best moments. Nobody ever said it was the best moments from the best team in the world? Lighten up you judgemental f*ckers. It's the weekend.

PS: great vid. I loved it, regardless of whether the Lions won or lost in 2009 - it's inspirational.

By Dave, at July 03, 2009 5:09 pm
BOD to win irb player of the year this year me thinks

By Kenny, at July 03, 2009 5:11 pm
It's no wonder that the backward people of the SH totally miss the point of the Lions.

They're a team that don't regularly play together, this is what makes the challenge so great and why success is celebrated, everyone knows the odds are against them everytime they play. Building a side in a few weeks is a huge challenge. It's just lucky for the paupers down under that Britain gives them a chance by splitting the country into four.

I wouldn't expect a bunch of sheep shearers, barworkers or pickup truck drivers to understand.

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 5:26 pm
I apologise for being so bitter, it's down to my envy of European money earners.

I'm sat in my shack on my dial up internet with my AU$200 paycheck and my beat up old pick up truck parked outside, so you can forgive my constant rancorous shit-talking.

By jamestheconvict, at July 03, 2009 5:32 pm
I wouldn't expect a bunch of sheep shearers, barworkers or pickup truck drivers to understand.

James the sheep shearer wont like that at all.

I think its hilarious

By Kenny, at July 03, 2009 5:35 pm
I doubt u even own a shack james u dirty hick

By Kenny, at July 03, 2009 5:55 pm
You's are embarassing yourselves people....

Anyways great video, great tour this year (even though we lost) and I look forward to the next one...We let it go last week and we have only ourselves to blame....

By themull, at July 03, 2009 6:00 pm
If you guys think the Lions are a waste of time - why bother commenting.
The pro players - both B&I and whoever the opposing team is consider it the pinnacle of their career and comments by some of the people above are coming from someone who
a) needs to get a life
b) has never been on a rugby field
c) Is not a true "rugby" supporter

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 6:07 pm
Considering that the SH fans don't think much of the Lions, they don't half get excited about beating a team that's been together for 6 weeks.

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 6:11 pm
To james the convict

i don't blame lions for what they are but for what they do.
It's not a question of NH vs SH
It's a question that i prefer facts than wonderful legends.

It's true that it's difficult to built a team in 4 weeks but boks, blacks, ozzs or frenchs have less time of preparations during tour

lions wasn't the best team against the boks but i wish they will fight back this saturday

By Flooz, at July 03, 2009 6:16 pm
I've got a funny feeling shane williams is gonna burst into life and have stormer.

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 7:07 pm
thank god ugo monye is in

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 7:16 pm
I love the lions.
All you whingers about 'is it worth HaVing a lions tour?'

we have witnessed 2 fantastic games of rugby. WTF are you all on about. Competition is about winning and losing.... I tell you what.. lets ban all brits from wimbledon because they never win.... in fact lets stop all nations apart from SA, New Zealand, Australia and England from entering the RWC because they haven;t won it.
EXTREME I know but the fact is that whilst I wanted the Lions to win it didn't stop me enjoying the tour or the tests.
PEACE

By Cheech, at July 03, 2009 8:05 pm
funny feeling its going to be 3-0 to the boks!!

playing very good rugby now!!

will be hard to beat them with so many injurys (think it totals up to 8 or 9 in the end)

if the pack just keep the ball moving...not going to stop them!!

oh and btw Australia for Tri-nations!! unbeliavable back line and pack is solid!! going to destroy most back lines in the world for the next few years!!

By creggsrugby08, at July 03, 2009 8:14 pm
Would of prefered hook to be given a shot.
I expect plenty of tries to be scored, most of which by shane williams ;]
Hope he comes good.

By Fussell'sTheMan, at July 03, 2009 10:01 pm
Shane... who? He's been so anonymous this year that even Fox Sports didnt recognise him (see previous clip on here).

Makes me feel good for all the hoo-haa about him last year. He'll be back to himself again soon - just another above average international wing, who happened to have an amazing run of form in 2008. Scored some incredible tries, but the Shane Williams hysteria was a bit much imo.. I'm glad he's been brought back down to size on this tour.

Dont mean to sound mean, I just got really annoyed last year. Still a great player... occasionally :)

By Scotsdale, at July 03, 2009 10:07 pm
I just gave the Boks the kiss of death btw. Woops.

By Scotsdale, at July 03, 2009 10:08 pm
To be honest the boks haven't clicked yet this season (only 2 games into it though)...hope they click on Sat (even though they have a whole new look team, these guys are fighting to get into the Tri-Nations side..) oohhh, can't wait!!! BRING ON SAT!!

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 11:22 pm
I DON'T WANT THIS TOUR TO END - It's been great rugger!!!! I CAN'T WAIT ANOTHER 4 YRS!!!

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 11:24 pm
one of the best things about the lions is it throws you world class combinations such as roberts and BOD in the centre. If they played together regularly there would be no stopping them. The way they were in the tests and warm up matches, if they were more familiar with each other theyd be the best centre partnership in the world.

Alas, after 2 international matches it is likely that partnership will never be seena again.

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 11:24 pm
great games great entertainment shame the lions lost but it was well worth the tour you forget the springboks are the best team in the world and the lions went toe to toe with them two weeks in a row and on both occasions created an awesome test match and came close to winning both of them, the lions are the pinnicle of british and irish rugby union they are the types of occasions that drive players role on 2013 and the australia tour!!

By Anonymous, at July 03, 2009 11:39 pm
what an awfual side.
i hope they loose, and badly, very badly.

By grr, at July 04, 2009 12:27 am
Does anyone know why Luke Fitzgerald was dropped? He was pretty good, but now they get Shane Williams and Ugo Monye in instead? That makes no sense at all. They've been crap. And why are they going with Vickery again? And 4 Wasps in the team? That's an absolute outrage.

By Kearney for tests, at July 04, 2009 1:54 am
ScotsDale made a comment soley bashing a player, yeah real constructive mate. (btw if your scottish LOL get out)
I expect the lions to lose by 10/15 points in a high scoring game.

By Crank, at July 04, 2009 3:27 am
Bla Bla Bla Holiwood blockbuster video and hype but when you actually go watch it its crap . HAHAHAHAHA Lions suck...
but jason robinson is a legend

By poopaul, at July 04, 2009 8:07 am
'Anonymous' who spoke about BOD & Jamie Roberts being amaaazing. They were incredible in the first Test, but in the 2nd the Boks simply shut them down. BOD had a decent game but Jamie Roberts was nowhere - got smashed everytime he got the ball.

So hardly a world beating combination. But yes, still a very powerful and exciting one.

Looking forward to today :)

By BringOnEllisPark, at July 04, 2009 8:09 am
'Anonymous' who spoke about BOD & Jamie Roberts being amaaazing. They were incredible in the first Test, but in the 2nd the Boks simply shut them down. BOD had a decent game but Jamie Roberts was nowhere - got smashed everytime he got the ball.'

shows exactly how dangerous he is when the other team have players man marking him. he knew he was going to get smashed every time and never once backed down.

have to remember with roberts that he know has probably played at centre for the lions as many if not more times than for wales. so hes still learning and yet still causes that much grief for opposition. with more time hell be great. and like i said before if he had as much time playing with BOD as JDV and Jacobs have had together, theyd be up there with the best

By Anonymous, at July 04, 2009 11:48 am
How hard is it to stick your name on your comments??? Nice to see people make ballsy comments but not stick there names next to them.

By Cheech, at July 04, 2009 1:08 pm
hahaha boks second team s crap, no 3 n a row for the boks, the beast was crap.

By Kenny, at July 04, 2009 5:00 pm
Get in there:D

By Matt, at July 04, 2009 5:10 pm
To all the Lions supporters and the Lions Congrats! You deserved to win this one. And no bitching from me(South African) so to all that are posting negative grow up please or switch over to football thx.

By JuiCe, at July 04, 2009 5:35 pm
At least I can reply to Chongs exremely Witty comment. Nice one Chong. I'll use that one some time????

Anyway... I'll tell you what was gay.... those white arm bands..... JUSTICE??? Commentators summed it up..... it was a 2 week ban not life imprisonment.

By Cheech, at July 04, 2009 6:02 pm
Cheech

M8 it wasnt the point they wore it, the point was that the hit was fine and wasn't meant to be even sighted and they are trying to change the game in that way.

By JuiCe, at July 04, 2009 6:20 pm
English and Shane Williams Lions that match,

By Dave, at July 04, 2009 6:44 pm
Heaslip, Phillips, S Jones: fantastic

O COnnel decent - should have been this mouthy in the last 2 games, thou fiar play for kepin the chins up for a dud and narky week.

Ref ok to a point: however he kept letting the after the whistle stuff carry on, and this in the end led to fistycuffs.
_One_ reversed decision, the _first_ time someone does sth stupid after the whistle, and he's nipped that in the bud.

Instead, SA suffered from this his lieniency late on when philips was thrown to the ground and pen given against SA.

But that incident came from the previous 50+ minutes, where he kept letting that sort of thing go, to the point where players were frustrated.

Apart from that, they pretty much got it right, the officials. Shame it was now rather than when it mattered.

V tight but probably correct call on the foot in touch. Closest posible, possibly!

Lions form really started to come the later the tour went on: no harm for some NH guys to get a taste of winning in the SH.

Congrats to SA - great physical team, massive men everywhere!

BTW: players of the tournament rantin and ravin will have to start soon, I suppose!

By Mise, at July 04, 2009 6:48 pm
Did Shane Williams actually get the man of the match award? He was so poor. All he did was receive two passes for run-in tries. I thought it was hilarious at the end the way he tried to dummy a pass from a ruck, and then got picked up into the air and thrown backwards. John Hayes was deadly though. He did everything that was expected of him.
P.S. It's so disappointing that Monye ended up as the top try-scorer for the Lions tour, seeing as how he cost them two tries in the first test.

By Kearney for tests, at July 04, 2009 7:23 pm
Someone needs to remind the South African farmers that Mike Phillips comes from a family of champion boxers, he doesn't mind rising to the rough stuff.

By Anonymous, at July 04, 2009 7:39 pm
Great game, pity its a week too late.

I like the irony that 12 years ago, the Boks took satisfaction that they outscored the Lions on tries and points difference and now some of the Lions fans are trying to do likewise. Anything to accentuate the positives. I'm a Lions fan btw.

Both teams were weakened, but the Lions needed the win more. Great game from Vickery, Shaw, O'Connell, Heaslip, S Jones, Flutey, Bowe and Kearney. Philips had a better game at centre as didn't have to actually pick the ball up.

Although SA's overall strength in depth was shown up (especially wingers and Johann Muller ain't no Botha), I still think if they can keep their core of players without any retirements (Smit and Matfield are pushing 32) they can dominate world rugby for 3/4 years.

Just remember when top combinations are broken up the players left aren't as effective. Matfield was quiet, Fourie and Olivier had never played together. Its the same with any country, look at NZ without McCaw or Ireland without BOD or Aus without Smith/ Mortlock.

Roll on November series.

By Huh!! the 3rd, at July 04, 2009 7:45 pm
JuiCe,

I think everyone agrees that it was harsh treatment for Botha, proper fans of rugby, the Lions Team and management have even made comments about how harsh Botha has been treated. But seriousley? Wearing armbands with 'JUSTICE' written on them.
I agree that it was fair challenge and it seems Botha is a victim of circumstance. It actually grieves me to agree with Stuart Barnes' comments though about the armbands. I don't see how the situation demanded armbands?

By Cheech, at July 05, 2009 12:00 am
Of all the countries in the world, of all the rugby traditions and cultures, _that one_ was _not_ the one to use that match to say the words: JUSTICE.

No. Not south Africa.

Of course the arm bands are almost 100% bizzare in light of the Burg(l)er attempted eyeball theft.

You couldn't make it up,. A load of Afrikans hand writing stickers saying the word 'justice'. For a 2 week (i/e basically no match) suspension of one of their own. In Sport.

Last word on that: only ever have a political slogan for all to see _if_ you dominate on the sports field. C.f. Olympics 1968 black fist or Jessie Owens 1936 Olympics( do u notice a trend here, related to Sa....?).

Otherwise u look like a tosser (No offence to Wayne Kerrs) (say last word in Aussie accent and think: rugby leauge)

Echo Matt's earlier comments: now I can stop likin u bastards. Phew!!!

Of all the countries its tuff for us Irish. I mean, its probably beneficial for the North South relations on the island. A beautiful collision of nationalism and empire-love in one moment of estatic unity. Fine.

Because otherwise it could ealily be construed as an incredibly colonial ting, the whole Lions ting.

The Irish and British Lions: Extremely important or complete or waste of time? I'm not sure.

But one ting I'm relatively sure of: 'Justice'
(Hah!)
was done today. 2-1 is about fair.

By mise, at July 05, 2009 1:01 am
Cheech and mise

Cant you see what i meant it has nothing to do with Bakkies ffs it has to do with it looks like they want to change a rule! omg...

By JuiCe, at July 05, 2009 6:20 pm
JuiCe,

Clearley you think it was okay for them to wear the armbands. Majority of people in this post and others dis-agree, as do I.

I love rugby but I think wearing armbands in sport should be saved for something a little more significant.

By Cheech, at July 05, 2009 10:10 pm
Shane came good for us in the end!!

By Anonymous, at July 06, 2009 1:49 pm
Cheech

TBH m8 i just think you are sour because you lost and so are most ppl on thees forums and dont really get what the armbands are for.

By JuiCe, at July 06, 2009 5:20 pm
JuiCe,

I couldn't give a flying turd if you think I'm bitter. Rugby community is mocking your coach and your new arm accesory that your boys are sporting.
The armbands have taken the emphasis away from the tour and what was a good series win for SA. It has now become a farce with people mocking the world champions. You have tried explaining what the armbands are for and most people, and several SA's I have spoken too agree that it was OTT.
Tell me JuiCe, should we wear them for Simon Shaws infringement?

PEACE

By Cheech, at July 06, 2009 6:48 pm
Cheech see m8 you just proved my point you dont have any idea what its about, Simon show wasnt entering a ruck throw the gate and stayed on his feet now did he? what simond did was a total different rule! OMG how can you even compare the 2? do you even know rugby? this armband thing was againts the IRB not the for the rule that they the IRB want to change not because Bakkies could not play! do you get it now? if you dont m8 then just dont comment some nonsens pleas.

By JuiCe, at July 06, 2009 7:39 pm
And again Cheech you are bitter that we won. And if you wana say something about how bad our coach is go ahead i will agree with you cos i dont want him to be their.

By JuiCe, at July 06, 2009 7:43 pm
JuiCe,

Clearley you think that you are some superior rugby mastermind. I won't argue.

Don't patronise me or anyone else on here about the rules. The armbands issue was a stupid self loving stunt that the team thought that they could get away with and it backfired.
It soured the game.
Am I bitter about the test series? no.
Am I dissapointed? Yes.. why wouldn't I be.

Don't confuse my dissatisfaction with what the Boks wore on there arm bands with bitterness that we lost the serous. I can admit I'm bigger than that.

I applaude your lone voice on this issue though JuiCe.
Well done

PEACE

By Cheech, at July 06, 2009 9:22 pm
FYI JuiCe,

I quote ' South Africa captain John Smit said after the Test, which the British and Irish Lions won 29-8 to avoid a series whitewash, that the players were "standing in solidarity with Bakkies".

Also ' At the same time, the South African players' union released a statement explaining the decision.

Springbok captain John Smit
"The Springbok players all feel for Bakkies because he will miss this memorable final Test against the Lions,"

All the above clearley indicates that this has everything to with the citing and Botha not playing.

I will add though that they do mention that they want the rules looked at again I quote from the Statement they released
"The players want to send a clear message that they require the IRB to have an urgent and serious relook at law 10.4 (which defines the offence Botha was charged with)."

So once more this is not about the IRB changing the laws it is about the SARFU wanting them to change the law.

JuiCe, surely you must agree that armbands should be worn when an occasion is worthy of it?

PEACE

By Cheech, at July 06, 2009 9:36 pm
At the same time the players want to send a clear message that they require the IRB to have an urgent and serious relook at Law 10.4 (j),” says Piet Heymans, CEO of SARPA.

“Despite comprehensive submissions by the attorney acting for Bakkies Botha and SARPA, where a very important point of principle was developed as to the proper application of this Law, and in particular when a player lawfully binds or attempts to bind for the purpose of this Law, the appeal was not successful.

“Over an extended period of time numerous other players have charged into rucks without binding but were either not penalised at all or received only a penalty. Bakkies hit a ruck just before this one in question in a similar style and was not penalised. Coaches are coaching players to hit rucks in this manner and therefore this is a major cause of apprehension,” continues Heymans.

This inconsistency has upset the players and they felt very strongly that they must take a firm stance and show their unhappiness with the application of the relevant law.

“Rugby as a spectacle will lose its excitement and appeal if the best players in the world are not sure how the laws will be applied and that their participation in world class rugby could be affected by the actions of judicial officers,” says Heymans.

here is the link m8ty
http://www.sarfu.org.za/newsarticle.aspx?newsid=306721&leagueid=&fixturescatid=&resultscatid=&vidcatid=&piccat=&statscatid=&statsteam=&newscat=

This is why i am standing with them and no its nothing to do with self loving LoL!

By JuiCe, at July 06, 2009 9:50 pm
JuiCe,
You still haven't answered my last question.

Surely you must agree that armbands should be worn when an occasion is worthy of it?

PEACE

By Cheech, at July 06, 2009 11:16 pm
Cheech it is if they want to change the way we have played rugby for years, it will change the whole why of how players approach a ruck. If they do that this HARD mans game will be for softies.

By JuiCe, at July 07, 2009 2:41 am
JuiCe,

Clearly you are a staunch Bok fan and you are sticking with your team. Fair play to you.

I'm sticking with common sense this time round.

PEACE

By Cheech, at July 07, 2009 8:22 am
Cheech

m8 i must say both our points i think are valid and i think the people on this site can come and have a look on how to have a fair and decent discussion and i think it is good that you are sticking to your point.

By JuiCe, at July 07, 2009 3:03 pm
JuiCe,
Cheers...
Good luck for the tri-nations.

PEACE

By Cheech, at July 07, 2009 8:01 pm
great vid.

shame we lost

Jamestheconvict ur arsehole

Long Live the LIONS!!!

By Swampy, at July 12, 2009 12:49 pm