Rugby Betting: Lions nearly fall at first hurdle

British Lions / Maxliu / 30 May 2009 / Leave a comment

McGeechan's men drift to [4.0] from [1.01] before securing narrow win with late scores...

The British and Irish Lions were backed at the minimum price of [1.01] on Betfair when 3-0 up early in their supposed "gimme" of a tour opener against the Royal XV today, for which they were rated 35-point pre-match favourites in some places.

However, they were staring embarrassing defeat in the face when 25-13 down after 65 minutes, at which point they drifted to over [4.0] on Betfair just to even win the match.

The Royal XV, backed at a high of [48.0] to win the match on Betfair, were supported at [1.36] at that stage.

However, the Lions then scored 24 unanswered points to win 37-25 and spare their blushes.

Ian McGeechan and his team clearly have a lot of work to do in their remaining six fixtures before they begin their test series with South Africa. Latest prices show the Springboks at [1.36] to win the series with the Lions at [3.9].