Tom Shanklin: Lions can salvage pride with third Test win

British Lions / Editor / 02 July 2009 / Leave a Comment

The series may have gone but there are big positives to take from this Lions tour and a win in Saturday's third test is nothing more than Ian McGeechan's men deserve, says Wales and Cardiff centre Tom Shanklin.

Last Saturday's second Test was one of the best games I've seen in a long time. Apart from the first minute eye gouging on Luke Fitzgerald it was a game that contained every aspect of modern rugby: skill, pace, tension, thunderous tackles, not to mention a great deal of pride. Morne Steyn's last minute penalty was a cruel way to end an epic game which I strongly believe the Lions deserved to win.

The main talking point this week has been the Schalk Burger incident and the support of Peter de Villiers. In my opinion, any contact with the eyes is a straight red card. I am uncertain which case I find more appalling; Burger for trying to blind Fitzgerald or de Villiers condoning the action. In any case the touch judge and referee should have sent the guilty party off.

The Lions finished the game with both of the starting props and the two starting centres going off injured. How a team can still be functioning and pushing for the win in this situation is unbelievable - it is a huge credit to the spirit and pride of the team. It was obvious from the start that the Lions were not going to take a backward step. The Boks are the most physical team in world rugby and if you want to beat them you have to match them - something the Lions did for 80 minutes.

There were many stand out performances. If it wasn't for his greying hair Simon Shaw could have easily been mistaken for a 22-year-old spring chicken. Starting his first Lions test in 12 years, Shaw was immense, spoiling Springbok ball every chance he got, taking every kick-off available and emptying the tank around the field. Stephen Jones stamped his authority on the game. His beautiful half break and offload to send Rob Kearney into the corner was a joy to watch. Not only did he create the try, he slotted the conversion from the touchline. Jones accounted for 80% of the Lions points and was faultless during the afternoon.

Adam Jones and Mathew Rees were called in to strengthen the scrum. The first test showed what an important part of the game this is. Together with Gethin Jenkins they formed the first all Welsh front row since 1955. From the first scrum you could see parity. None so more evident then when Adam Jones and co destroyed 'The Beast' on the Lions five metre line. A weakness in the first Test turned into a weapon for the second.

Finally, my man of the match was Rob Kearney, a late replacement for Lee Byrne. The mix and balance to his game was brilliant. He counter-attacked when it was on and kicked deep into space when under pressure. Kearney was a constant threat in attack looking to take the Boks on at every occasion. He will definitely be a marked man this Saturday.

You would be stupid to write the Lions off just yet. The loss of two props and Brian O'Driscoll will be a blow, but let's not forget the Lions are made up of world class international players who have performed at the highest levels. I would like to see Riki Flutey replace the injured O'Driscoll, and Welsh wizard Shane Williams drafted into the starting 15. The Test series is gone but a Lions Test win is still definitely on and that's why I'm backing the Lions to win [4.2].

My Third Test Starting XV

15 Rob Kearney
14 Tommy Bowe
13 Jamie Roberts
12 Ricky Flutey
11 Shane Williams
10 Stephen Jones
9 Mike Phillips
8 Jamie Heaslip
7 Martyn Williams
6 Tom Croft
5 Paul O'Connell
4 Simon Shaw
3 John Hayes
2 Mathew Rees
1 Andrew Sheridan