So Close and Yet so Far : Lions Durban Test

[KenyaQuin]

Just watched the game and what a way to start the series. If there is one thing to give it to the Saffas, it has to be the atmosphere at their games (this is said recognising that there was a ton of Lions supporters).

By the end of the game, thought the Lions' backs classier of the two and though their forwards came to the game a touch too late, they would have come away with plenty of positives from the second half to confidently turn up on time next test.

One thing is for sure, the Lions must resist kicking away too much ball considering the man they are kicking to probably has the biggest boot in rugby and a pretty accurate one at that.

Thrilled to see the rolling maul make an impressive show and what a try. When its done well, oh what a pretty sight.

I'm already looking forward to the next game and not really caring too much about the Wallabies/Frogs game and certainly not the Kiwi/Raviolli game.

[welshrugbyfan]

The Coach is a jock.

Yeah I know, it was humour.

Makes it worse, can't even get a Scot in the team but they let one coach.

Gatland should have got the gig.

[Burgs]

The major problem for the Lions to now overcome is altitude.

[retiredrucker]

My observation is that if there is any foul weather it will be to the Boks advantage.
Who would have thought that with the NH vs SH styles of late. Good to see the Boks haven't lost a century of tight forward experience.
Did you see the Bok's bring on J Smit for a fake injury to steady their ship, he is a great captain in the mold of Fitzpatrick.

[Burgs]

Agreed on both counts re Smit rr.
Even the Saffa I was watching it with admitted it was a hoax injury!
He is virtually worth an extra man to them though, a great player and leader.

[welshrugbyfan]

Agreed on both counts re Smit rr.
Even the Saffa I was watching it with admitted it was a hoax injury!
He is virtually worth an extra man to them though, a great player and leader.

Looked like a dwarf at the coin toss next to O'connell.

[Burgs]

I thought "Schoolboy" with his Test Cap on and all the rest

[welshrugbyfan]

I thought "Schoolboy" with his Test Cap on and all the rest

Yeah it did look funny I must admit, gotta love the history of the game though with all that stuff.

Pretty fantastic achievement to earn one cap in that country. I don't think people realise how good Montgomery was to earn 100, Schmit is the most capped springbok forward ever and that's a testiment to him as well.

When ever they show a retired test player I always look at the years they played for, it usually shows how good they were. Any above 6-8 is a great achievement.

[Burgs]

For sure.
When you look through some of our earlier "greats" they have often only played 10-15 matches, which ordinary players can do in a couple of seasons now.
I would suggest that, at least for Australia, around 20 caps is equal to maybe 5 in the amateur era.
To continue on past 50 though, especially in hotly contested positions like #7 in Aus, is pretty awesome.